Migraines & headaches decisions — 2013

The Veteran's service-connected sinusitis is likely the cause of his current headaches.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and headache disabilities was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability. The Board found that the Veteran did not have sufficient hearing impairment to qualify as a disability for VA compensation purposes.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing examinations to assess her service-connected conditions. The claims of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim for bronchial asthma, as well as the increased rating claims for migraine headaches and endometriosis, are inextricably intertwined with this issue.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records, SSA records, and a VA examination. The issues of service connection for residuals of a neck and head injury with pain and headaches, respiratory disability, liver disorder, and PTSD are also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing a VA medical opinion regarding the appellant's claimed conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a chronic respiratory disorder (claimed as sinusitis) and migraine headaches, finding that there was no evidence of such disorders in service or that they were related to service.

The Veteran's headaches and anxiety disorder due to a head injury with chronic brain syndrome are not rated higher than the current 30 percent disability ratings.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and reviewing VA outpatient treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, indigestion, a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD (including depression and anxiety), and headaches were denied. The claim to reopen the disability manifested by muscle and joint pain was also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current migraine headache or irritable bowel syndrome disability separate from her service-connected fibromyalgia. Her symptoms of headaches and IBS are considered part of her fibromyalgia.

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

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches have been rated at 50 percent since January 4, 2010. The Board finds that the current rating adequately reflects his disability picture.

The Veteran's appeal is REMANDED for further evidentiary development, including obtaining VA and non-VA treatment records, and for examinations to assess the current severity of his service-connected PTSD and chronic headache disabilities. The RO should also consider a TDIU claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraine headaches is being remanded due to inadequate examination report and the need for an addendum opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for service connection for residuals of head trauma, migraine headaches, and right arm nerve damage as well as an initial disability rating in excess of 20 percent for a cervical spine disability. The Board does not have jurisdiction to review these issues.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and records, particularly regarding his service-connected migraine headaches.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further review, including scheduling a Travel Board hearing at the RO. The Veteran's appeal will be returned to the Board after the hearing.

The Veteran's previously established 10 percent evaluation for migraine headaches was continued, and the case is being remanded due to a scheduling issue.

The Board denied the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for tension headaches with depression, finding that new and material evidence had not been received.