Migraines & headaches decisions — 2012

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability, diagnosed as chronic lumbar sprain with right sided radiculopathy and spondylosis, was aggravated by his service-connected right knee disability. The claim for TBI residuals other than post-traumatic headaches is remanded due to incomplete records.

The Board has remanded the case for further proceedings consistent with a Court decision, including scheduling a videoconference hearing at the RO.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, as well as his initial noncompensable ratings for tension headaches and post operative hemorrhoids. The appeals are now remanded to obtain additional evidence and conduct further examinations.

The Board denied service connection for left ear hearing loss disability, cold weather injury residuals, migraine headaches, bilateral tendonitis of the feet, and coronary artery disease.,There is no credible evidence to support a finding that any of these conditions are related to military service.

The Veteran's service-connected migraines have resulted in a disability picture that more nearly approximates very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability, warranting a 50% rating effective from July 8, 2004.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was granted effective May 7, 2010. The Board previously denied the claim prior to this date.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing an examination to determine if his current jaw disability and headaches are related to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed traumatic brain injury, cervical spine disorder, and chronic migraines are not related to his military service.,Service connection was denied for all three conditions as they were determined to be unrelated to active duty.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for tinnitus, headaches, and degenerative joint disease of the right knee. The Board found that these conditions are related to his military service.,Service connection was also granted for degenerative joint disease of the left knee due to its onset during active service.

The Veteran's service-connected migraines are rated at 50 percent, and a 100 percent rating is granted effective November 20, 2001. The issue of an earlier effective date for TDIU is dismissed as moot.

The Board has granted a 50% rating for service-connected migraine headaches effective from August 2010, and the Veteran's GERD is found to be due to disease or injury incurred in active service. The heart disorder remains pending as it was remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for migraine headaches and residuals of a ganglion cyst of the right wrist were denied as he failed to report for scheduled VA examinations, resulting in the claims being rated based on the evidence of record.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral foot DJD and plantar spurs as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left knee and ankle disability, headaches as secondary to his cervical spine disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder (depression). Service connection for residuals of a nose fracture and hypertension was denied.

The Veteran's appeal for an effective date earlier than October 13, 2006, for the award of service connection and compensation for PTSD has been withdrawn. The Board dismissed this issue as a result.

The Board finds that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to her military service, and she has a reasonable doubt in favor of her claim for service connection. The Board also finds that there is a reasonable doubt as to whether her cervical spine disability is related to her military service.

The Board has denied service connection for left knee and left hip disabilities due to the lack of current disability. The Veteran's claims for compensable initial ratings for elbow tendonitis are pending.

The Veteran's claim for SMC by reason of the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or being housebound was denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a Travel Board hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the Cleveland RO. After the appellant has been afforded an opportunity to appear, the case will be returned to the Board.

The Board denied service connection for chronic headaches, bilateral shoulder disorders, and left and right elbow disorders due to a motorcycle accident in service. The Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for post-traumatic headaches, which constitutes a complete grant of the benefit sought on appeal related to this issue. As such, no discussion of VA's duties to notify or assist is necessary.