Migraines & headaches decisions — 2013

The Veteran's sinusitis with headaches is not manifested by one or two incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis requiring prolonged (lasting four to six weeks) antibiotic treatment, or; three to six non-incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting. The criteria for an initial compensable disability rating have not been met.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to his failure to appear at scheduled VA examinations. The Board will attempt to reschedule the examinations and ensure that all necessary development has been completed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's headaches are not service-connected, as they are related to a non-service-connected neck disability. The PTSD diagnosis is also not service-connected.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD was denied because there is no evidence of such a condition in service or any link between it and service.

The Board found that the Veteran's headaches and temporal intracerebral hematoma associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage did not originate in service or for many years thereafter, and are not related to any incident during active service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and consideration of her claims.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches have been rated as 50 percent disabling since January 30, 2009.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right eye disorder and headaches. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple conditions, including Gulf War Syndrome, depression, neuropathy, radiculopathy, and various other symptoms. The issues are related to service connection for these conditions, with some seeking reopening of a previously denied claim for migraine headaches.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches and prurigo nodularis were denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or link to service, including active duty or National Guard service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for depression, joint disorder, and headache disability due to undiagnosed illness. The evidence did not establish a nexus between these conditions and active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied as there is no evidence of a diagnosed psychiatric disorder, cholesteatoma left mastoid, skin condition (chloracne), headaches, heart condition, sinus condition, right hand condition, or left foot condition that manifested during or was caused by his military service. The claim for the residuals of a right foot fracture has also been denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, chronic migraines, and coronary artery disease, render him unemployable without regard to age or non-service-connected disorders. The Board grants a TDIU based on the evidence showing that his service-connected conditions prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and headaches. The evidence did not show any in-service hearing loss or tinnitus, nor was there a showing of continuity of symptomatology after discharge. The VA examinations found no current disability related to service.

The Veteran's initial noncompensable ratings for migraine headaches, chronic cholecystitis, right leg shin splints, and left leg shin splints have been denied. Service connection for sinusitis and a psychiatric disorder (claimed as depression and anxiety) has also been denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating issues, including determining whether his current sinusitis, headaches, and sleep apnea are related to his military service or pre-existing conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches warrant a maximum rating of 50 percent, as they are manifested by very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks capable of producing severe economic inadaptability.

The Veteran's hypertension has been rated as noncompensable since the grant of service connection. The Board granted a 10 percent rating for hypertension, which is the highest rating assignable under the applicable diagnostic code.,The Veteran's migraines have been rated as noncompensably disabling. The Board granted a 30 percent rating for migraines, which is the next higher rating available under the applicable diagnostic code.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the issue of service connection for migraine headaches.

The Board found that the Veteran's current neurological disorder, including migraines, was not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The evidence did not establish a link between his in-service exposure and his current condition.