Migraines & headaches decisions — 2012

The Veteran's posttraumatic headaches and dizziness have been rated at 50 percent since October 23, 2008. The rating is based on the severity of his symptoms which include frequent, completely prostrating migraine headaches that are prolonged and severe enough to cause economic inadaptability.

The Board has ordered the Veteran to be scheduled for a VA examination to determine if his headaches existed prior to service and were aggravated by service, or are otherwise related to any incident of service. The case is also remanded to obtain any outstanding VA treatment records from prior to 2001 or after 2008.

The Veteran's headaches with photophobia and traumatic brain injury have been rated, but the effective dates for these ratings are being addressed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection and evaluations of various conditions, including a lumbar spine disability, PTSD, hypertension, tension headaches, and reactive airway disease. The appeals were based on the Veteran's reported symptoms and medical records.

The Veteran's sexual dysfunction is found to be proximately due to or the result of service-connected disability. The Board also finds that he has TBI with adjustment disorder, PTSD with depression, and posttraumatic headaches, all of which are rated at their maximum levels under VA regulations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including memory loss, gastrointestinal complaints, headaches, skin disability, chronic fatigue, involuntary movements of the hands and feet, and urinary tract infections, all characterized as undiagnosed illnesses or other medically unexplained chronic multi symptom illnesses.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, lumbar spine disability, migraine headaches, and left ear hearing loss was received on October 24, 2006, more than one year after his separation from active service. The Board finds that the earliest possible effective date is October 24, 2006.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, body rash, insomnia, and a left shoulder disorder. The claim for service connection for a cervical spine disorder was also denied.

The Veteran's TDIU claim and increased rating for right ankle sprain with ankylosis and arthritis need to be remanded due to the lack of a VA examination addressing his employability, and the incomplete SOC regarding the increased rating issue.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations.

The Veteran's brain tumor and its residuals are service connected, as is the loss of vision secondary to the brain tumor. The Board has also determined that service connection for headaches and short term memory loss is warranted.,A VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of the claimed disorders (headaches and short-term memory loss) and a current compensation and pension examination is required for the bilateral lattice degeneration and pseudo-papilledema.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to service connection for residuals of traumatic brain injury and headaches. The Veteran raised informal claims for these conditions, but a decision on their merits is required.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and arranging for a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic headache disorder has been reopened and granted. His secondary claim for right hip disability due to lumbar degenerative disc disease with lumbosacral strain is also granted.

The Board found no evidence to support the appellant's claims of service connection for left quadriceps strain, tension headaches, neck disability, mid-back disability, and low back disability. The claims were denied as there was not a clear preponderance of the evidence supporting these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, fibromyalgia, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include bipolar disorder or depression) as there was no clear and unmistakable evidence showing a preexisting condition that worsened during service. The VA examinations did not provide sufficient nexus opinions to establish direct service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD with depression and dysthymia, but found that the Veteran's low back disorder and headaches are not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's TBI and recurrent headaches are related to his active military service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for muscle tension headaches and a psychiatric disability are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records from private providers.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development and clarification of medical opinions.