Migraines & headaches decisions — 2013

The Veteran's headaches are manifested by frequent severe headaches that have rendered him totally unemployable, warranting a TDIU rating from August 28, 2009 to October 31, 2010.

The Board found that the Veteran's currently diagnosed headache disorder is not related to service and denied her claim for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including headaches, bilateral hearing loss disability, and tinnitus, were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The claims for these disabilities are denied.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him in need of regular aid and attendance or housebound due to his disabilities, as he is able to perform most self-care functions independently.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a failure to provide the Veteran's representative with a copy of the March 2013 Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC).

The Veteran's service-connected tension headaches have been evaluated at 30 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's combined disability rating is now at 70%, meeting the minimum schedular requirements for a TDIU. However, he was unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities from October 25, 2004 until April 24, 2005.

The Board found that the Veteran's current symptoms, including concussion, seizures, headaches, syncope, dizziness, memory loss, and mini-strokes, are not related to his in-service head injury.

The Veteran's claim for service connection is being remanded due to insufficient evidence and the need for further development, including a VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's headache disability did not have its onset during service, was not aggravated by service, and is not proximately due to or aggravated by a service-connected seizure disability. Therefore, service connection for the headache disability is denied.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for depressive disorder with generalized anxiety state and tension headaches have been withdrawn.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for migraine headaches has been remanded due to the need for further development, including obtaining his VA vocational rehabilitation and employment folder.

The Board found that the Veteran's headaches did not manifest during service and are unrelated to any in-service injury or disease, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's headaches are found to be due to an undiagnosed illness during his service in the Gulf War. His bilateral hip, right ankle, left ankle, wrist, and elbow disabilities are not shown to be related to service.

The Board has dismissed the appeal of the issue regarding service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's adjustment disorder is rated at 50 percent throughout the appeal period.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection for a sinus condition and headaches, both claimed as due to in-service facial trauma. The preponderance of the evidence does not establish a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO/AMC for scheduling a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO. The claims for service connection, increased evaluation, and TDIU will be further processed.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for migraine headaches and acquired psychiatric disorders. The claims are both granted as they were decided on their merits.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's current headache disability.