Migraines & headaches decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claims for higher initial evaluations for hypertension, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, and migraine headaches were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for increased ratings under applicable rating criteria.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a head injury, finding no competent or credible evidence linking his current conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's initial claim for migraine headaches was granted, but the RO found that a compensable evaluation prior to August 30, 2006 was not warranted. From August 30, 2006 to January 21, 2010, an evaluation in excess of 10 percent was denied. On and after January 21, 2010, the Veteran's claim for a higher rating was also denied.

The case is being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for further VA examinations. The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including multiple sclerosis, dysthymia, and bladder incontinence, will be evaluated.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for verification of the Veteran's periods of active duty or ACDUTRA and INACDUTRA, as well as a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed headache disorder and hypertension.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, right hip trochanteric bursitis, obstructive sleep apnea, and migraine headaches on a direct basis. The claims of service connection for these conditions are all considered to be the result of injury or disease incurred in active military service.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for increased rating and service connection claims. The maximum schedular rating of 40 percent has been granted, but no higher as the disability is rated based on an amputation level.

The Veteran is granted an initial 50 percent disability rating for chronic tension headaches, effective from the date of his claim in March 2005. The condition is characterized by frequent and prolonged attacks that are completely prostrating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current cluster headaches are proximately caused by his service-connected asbestosis, specifically due to a fall in August 2001 resulting from hyperventilation.,The Board also found that the Veteran's cervical spine disability was aggravated by his service-connected asbestosis, with symptoms beginning shortly after an August 2001 fall.

The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's cerebral aneurysms and headaches to service or any service-connected disability, thus denying these claims.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew their appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's claims for fatigue, cognitive disorder or thinking problems, and headaches have been granted. The conditions are considered new and material to reopen the claims.

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for migraine headaches, tinea cruris, and colitis (irritable bowel syndrome) due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The claims are now remanded to the RO for further action.

The Veteran's pension benefits were denied due to his incarceration. His service-connection claims for left knee, heart, and hepatitis B disabilities are being reopened based on new evidence. The right ankle disability claim is still pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU, but further examination is needed to determine if he is unemployable due to his service-connected conditions.

The Board has denied reopening the Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches and prostate disorder, finding that new and material evidence was not received. The heart murmur claim is pending.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected migraine headaches and whether he is unemployable due to these disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current migraine headaches are related to his service, and thus service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his right and left knee disabilities, as well as an increased rating for migraine headaches, were granted. The claim for TDIU was also granted.

The Veteran's appeal regarding her service-connected pelvic strain was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent.