Migraines & headaches decisions — 2012

The Veteran's service connection claim for residuals of a sternoclavicular sprain is granted. The Board finds that the Veteran has provided credible evidence to establish continuity of symptoms since service and current disability, warranting service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches are currently rated at 30 percent from November 30, 2010. Prior to this date, the initial rating of 10 percent was granted.

The Veteran's headache disorder is presumed to have been incurred or aggravated during his period of active service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss, tinnitus, a vestibular disorder manifested by dizziness, and headaches. The Veteran's preexisting conditions were aggravated during service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further evaluation of his service-connected post concussion type syndrome and headaches, including consideration of the new rating criteria. The case will be returned to the Board after additional development.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for additional development due to incomplete medical records and inadequate examination opinions.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for posttraumatic headaches, and the Board dismisses the appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of the right hand and an increased rating for cluster and/or migraine headaches. The Veteran did not meet the criteria for service connection due to lack of a current disability, and his headaches were rated at 10 percent under DC 8100.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including VA examinations to determine the nature and likely etiology of his claimed respiratory/pulmonary disability and headache disability. The RO/AMC will also issue a statement of the case addressing increased ratings for his knee disabilities.

The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's claim of service connection for migraine headaches and denied his claim. The Board also noted that he had a diagnosis of major depressive disorder, which was linked to his service-connected sleep apnea.

The Veteran's complaints of muscle pain, elevated enzymes, and neurological problems to include headaches have been attributed to an undiagnosed illness incurred in service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including intervertebral disc syndrome, lumbosacral spine; residuals of a right shoulder injury; intervertebral disc syndrome, cervical spine; right arm radiculopathy as secondary to cervical spine associated with intervertebral disc syndrome, cervical spine; and headaches, prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current disabilities, including his head injuries and depression, are related to his service. The Board granted service connection for residuals of a head injury and depression.

The Veteran's posttraumatic headaches (migraine) are rated at a 30 percent disability rating, the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 8100 for migraine headaches. The Veteran experiences frequent and severe headaches that have not significantly impacted his employment.

The Veteran's request for service connection for migraine headaches has been remanded due to the need for a travel board hearing at his local VA office in Burkburnett, Texas.

The Veteran seeks service connection for various symptoms, including sleep apnea, rashes, neurological symptoms with muscle pain, hair loss, gastroesophageal reflux, headaches, respiratory disorder, and chronic fatigue. The appeal is remanded due to inadequate examination evidence.

The Board has partially granted the Veteran's claim, increasing his evaluation for service-connected complicated migraine headaches with intermittent right-sided face and upper extremity numbness from 10 percent to 30 percent effective June 15, 2005. The case is now remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee arthritis, migraine headaches, and an acquired psychiatric disorder as a manifestation of an undiagnosed illness. The Veteran's right knee condition is due to his in-service motor vehicle accident, while his headache disorder is attributed to his service-connected cervical strain. His psychiatric disorder is considered an undiagnosed illness.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the issues of entitlement to service connection for a low back disorder, irritable bowel syndrome, and headaches prior to the Board's decision.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including VA examinations and additional evidence collection. The Veteran's claims of service connection for sinusitis, hemorrhoids, and headaches are on appeal.