Migraines & headaches decisions — 2011

The Board has determined that the Veteran's migraine headaches are related to his military service and has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for a headache disability, finding that the Veteran's current recurrent headaches are related to exposure to irritants during service.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and migraine headaches were denied. Service connection was granted for PTSD with staged ratings from April 23, 2004 to October 22, 2007, and for advanced osteoarthritis of the cervical spine with a rating of 20 percent effective October 10, 2006.

The Veteran's right foot peripheral neuropathy is service connected and rated at 30 percent.,The Veteran's migraines are rated at 30 percent, with attacks occurring every four to six weeks.

The Veteran's knee, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic cough, and headaches are being remanded for further development to determine their etiology.

The Board has granted an initial disability rating of 30 percent for the Veteran's headaches, effective February 1, 2007. The criteria for a higher rating were not met.

The Veteran's claim for service connection is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his exposure to Agent Orange and VA treatment records.

The Board has granted the Veteran's applications to reopen his previously denied claims for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, degenerative joint disease of the right thumb, and migraine headaches.,Service connection is now established for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disorder, headaches, and right knee disorder have been denied. The claim for headaches has been granted as new and material evidence has been received.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for loss of left testicle and headaches, claimed as due to environmental hazards, is remanded for additional development including obtaining personnel records and private treatment records from Providence Portland Medical Clinic.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the inadequacy of a November 2006 VA examination and further medical evidence obtained in September 2009, June 2010, and August 2010. The Veteran needs to be afforded a new VA examination to determine the current extent and severity of his service-connected posttraumatic encephalopathy, characterized by atypical headaches.

The Board denied service connection for the appellant's right shoulder disability and neck disability with headaches, finding that there was insufficient evidence to establish a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development and review, including reopening of a previously denied claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as the Board finds that her migraine headaches warrant a 30 percent rating, but does not meet the criteria for an increased rating. The service connection claim for respiratory disorder (undiagnosed) is also denied.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for PTSD, a low back disability, and migraine headaches due to new evidence received since previous decisions. The claim for psychiatric disabilities other than PTSD/bipolar disorder remains denied as no new material evidence was found.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a VA examination to evaluate the severity of his service-connected migraine headaches, and for any additional development necessary.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches are manifested by tearing, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, and characteristic prostrating attacks occurring approximately 5 times each month. The Board finds that a 30 percent evaluation is warranted for the Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches.

The Board found no evidence of a current right hip disorder or migraine headaches that are related to service. The Veteran's complaints and treatment records do not support the presence of these conditions during his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right inguinal hernia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and migraine headaches are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches are rated at 30 percent, and his right shoulder disability is rated at 10 percent. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for either condition.