Migraines & headaches decisions — 2012

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, headaches, and acquired psychiatric disorder were not incurred in or related to his active service. The claims for these conditions were therefore denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence of a current disability or that the disabilities are related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches have been rated at a noncompensable (0%) level since December 2006, and the Board finds that his symptoms warrant an initial compensable rating of 10%.

The Veteran's chronic headache disability and TMJ are found to be related to her military service, with the Board granting service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's eye irritation, joint pain, headaches, chest pain, and right knee disability are all found to be due to undiagnosed illnesses related to service in the Southwest Asia theater during the Persian Gulf War.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis and headaches, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current conditions and military service.

The Board denied entitlement to higher initial ratings for the Veteran's migraine headaches and bilateral wrist disabilities, finding that her symptoms did not meet or approximate criteria warranting a rating in excess of 30 percent for migraines or a rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative arthritic changes of the wrists.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and a headache disorder, finding that there is sufficient evidence to establish a medical nexus between her current disabilities and her post-service symptomatology.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for a left knee disability status post surgery. The flat feet/foot disability (pes planus) was not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's migraine headache, finding that it was incurred during active duty.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC based on being permanently bedridden, needing regular aid and attendance, or housebound.

The Veteran's post-concussion headaches are rated at 50% effective December 20, 1999. Effective the same date, service connection for IBS and left varicocele and epididymitis is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches are productive of very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks, resulting in severe economic inadaptability. The claim for a higher rating is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a Travel Board hearing. The issues of service connection are not addressed as they have been referred back to the RO.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for his tension headaches, but granted a temporary increase to 30 percent effective May 4, 2010.

The Veteran's PTSD and depression were rated at 10 percent prior to November 18, 2011, but increased to 30 percent effective from that date. The rating for left ankle sprain was also increased.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound.

The Board found that the Veteran did not have active service in the southwest Asia Theater of operations during the Persian Gulf War and failed to report for multiple VA examinations. The evidence does not support granting service connection for migraines, a disability manifested by fatigue and nausea, or for a cardiovascular disability (hypertension).

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities for further development, including providing the Veteran with notice and a VA examination to address his employability.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and major depressive disorder warrant a rating of 50 percent. The Board has granted service connection for residuals of C3 chip fracture, but the issue pertaining to headaches remains unresolved.