Migraines & headaches decisions — 2013

The Board finds that service connection for residuals of second-degree burns on the palms with nerve damage is not warranted due to inadequate evidence of current disability. The remaining claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being REMANDED for additional development, including VA examinations and the provision of relevant medical records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for headache disorder is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and further development of the record.

The Board has remanded the claims due to insufficient evidence on whether service connection can be granted for headaches, a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, and various physical disabilities. The Veteran's willful misconduct in driving under the influence of alcohol during a vehicle accident is also being reconsidered.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for tinnitus, headaches, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of these conditions at any point during the appeals period.

The Board granted a 50 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected headaches, which is the highest schedular rating available. The Veteran was also granted TDIU based solely on his service-connected headache disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches, hemorrhoids, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and left leg deep vein thrombosis (DVT) were granted increased ratings. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, low back disability, cervical spine disability, sinusitis, right knee disability, and bilateral plantar fasciitis issues remain unresolved.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection for residuals of right knee injury and chronic headaches. The claim for service connection for residuals of right knee injury is granted, as there is medical evidence linking the current degenerative arthritis to his inservice right knee injury. The claim for service connection for chronic headaches remains pending due to insufficient information on its etiology.

The Board found that the preponderance of evidence does not support a finding of service connection for headaches, dizziness, and nausea due to exposure to hazardous environmental agents employed in Project SHAD.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as his service-connected conditions did not warrant a higher rating or additional service connection. The scar of the left parietal area of the scalp, while present, did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging a comprehensive examination to determine whether his service-connected disabilities render him unemployable. The issue of entitlement to an extraschedular rating for headaches will also be considered.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of right head and ear injury are currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board found that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea, headaches, and shortness of breath were not incurred or aggravated in service and are not proximately due to his service-connected autoimmune disorder associated with Gulf War environmental exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions were denied. The Board found no evidence of current disabilities or a nexus to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches is being remanded due to the unavailability of his military service records and a need for further medical examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining an examination and opinions regarding whether the Veteran's headaches are secondary to his service-connected sinusitis or if they were incurred in service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, thus meeting the criteria for TDIU.

The Veteran's initial rating for migraine headaches was granted at a 10 percent level, effective May 2007. The Board found that his headaches met the criteria for a 30 percent rating throughout the appeal period but not for a higher 50 percent rating due to lack of very frequent completely prostrating attacks.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a headache disorder was granted, with a 50% rating effective from June 1, 2012.

The Board finds that the Veteran's headaches are related to service, and grants service connection for this condition. The acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) is not service connected as there was no verified stressor. A cognitive disorder is also not service-connected.