Migraines & headaches decisions — 2011

The Board finds that the Veteran's sinus disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service, and thus denied service connection for this condition. The issue of service connection for a headache disorder is addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Board has ordered additional examinations and development due to the Veteran's testimony of increased severity of her service-connected conditions, which may affect her ability to work. The case is being remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's service connection claims for tension headaches, EDS/idiopathic hypersomnia, and bilateral ankle sprains were granted. The claim for service connection for bleeding ears was denied. A compensable rating of 10% was assigned for chronic maxillary sinusitis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right complex ovarian cyst and migraine headaches were incurred or aggravated during her active service. The Veteran currently has these conditions, which she asserts were present at the time of entry into service. The VA examiner noted an increase in disability for both conditions during service.

The Veteran seeks service connection for headaches, which he claims were caused by exposure to loud noises during his military service. The VA examiner's opinion was deemed inadequate due to the use of speculative language.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left and right hip disabilities, as well as his claim for a disability of the cervical spine with headaches. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for a disability of the thoracic spine due to lack of evidence.

The Board has reviewed the Veteran's claims and determined that new evidence received since the prior denial does not establish service connection for any of his claimed conditions. The evidence is insufficient to support a finding of an undiagnosed illness or chronic multisymptom illness.

The Veteran's claimed headaches are not service-connected, and his TDIU claim is also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development regarding whether the Veteran's headaches are secondary to service-connected conditions, such as sleep apnea or cervical strain.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety, depressed mood and headaches warrants a disability rating of 70 percent effective April 7, 2009.

The Board has granted service connection for migraines, a bilateral shoulder disorder, hair loss, and an ulcer (claimed as tumor of the right thigh). Ratings in excess of 10 percent have been granted for retropatellar pain syndrome of each knee.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining records from SSA and scheduling VA examinations to determine if the Veteran currently has residuals of a head injury, headaches, tinnitus, or a psychiatric disorder. The claims will be readjudicated after this development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches and memory loss, finding that these conditions were not incurred in or aggravated by his active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a request for a videoconference hearing. The Veteran's claims for service connection and rating increases remain pending.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for migraine disorder and stomach disorder, finding that new and material evidence has been received. The Veteran is now entitled to a de novo review of these claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including scoliosis, a low back disability, bilateral foot and leg disability, an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD, migraines, bilateral hearing loss disability, and tinnitus. The decision found that these conditions were not incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board denied service connection for low back disorder, hypertension, and headaches as the evidence did not show a relationship to active duty.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are of such severity so as to preclude substantially gainful employment, and she is therefore entitled to a TDIU rating.

The Board has granted service connection for aortic insufficiency, finding that the Veteran's heart valve disorder manifested to at least mild severity within one year of separation from active duty. The remaining issues on appeal (headaches, eye disorders, and skin disorders) are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's headaches are rated at 30 percent since November 12, 2004. His left maxillary sinusitis is also rated at 30 percent.