Migraines & headaches decisions — 2013

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability evaluations for headaches and right ankle tibiotalar degenerative joint disease have been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing all appeals currently being considered by VA.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current hearing loss is not related to service or noise exposure experienced therein, and thus denied his claim for service connection. The issue of headaches was also addressed but no opinion could be provided without resorting to speculation.

The Veteran's service-connected left shoulder disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that an evaluation in excess of this rating is not warranted. The Veteran's migraine headache disorder claim has been remanded for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have residuals associated with hysterectomy claimed as muscle spasms, lumbosacral strain, cervical neck pain with bone spur, nerve root irritation, muscle spasms, arthritis, and severe left side pain, or migraine headaches related to service. The claim for PTSD is also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of atypical migraines is related to his in-service dental trauma, and thus service connection for headaches is granted.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for his service-connected adjustment disorder with depressed mood (including complaints of insomnia) was granted, and an effective date of April 5, 2010 was assigned. The Veteran also received a separate 20 percent rating for his lumbar spine disability secondary to left leg length discrepancy.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disability and headaches due to inadequate opinions regarding the onset of these conditions during INACDUTRA.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the claim of entitlement to service connection for headaches before a decision was made.

The Veteran's headaches and PTSD have been granted increased ratings, with the headache rating effective March 2, 2009.

The Veteran's lumbar discogenic syndrome is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have residuals of an in-service head injury, other than headaches. The claim for service connection for a seizure disorder was denied as there is no evidence of such condition during service or within one year after discharge.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability is causing his headaches. His initial rating for the cervical spine was denied, but he received a higher rating from December 28, 2010 onwards. He also receives a TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing the Veteran with a VA examination to determine if his cervical spine spondylosis and headaches are related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current cluster and migraine headaches are not related to his service, or to any of his service-connected disabilities. The claim for service connection is therefore denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including depressive disorder, migraine headaches, and left eye injury with macular scar, do not prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining his VA vocational rehabilitation file and post-August 2012 treatment records from the Central Texas Health Care System. He will also be provided with a foot examination to determine the current severity of his bilateral pes planus.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a chronic headache disorder that had its clinical onset during service or is otherwise related to active duty.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including DDD of the lumbar spine and PTSD, rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment as of September 11, 2013. His TDIU claim is granted effective from that date.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for lower back disability, left knee disability, right knee disability, shoulder disability, an increased initial rating for tinnitus, and an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss have been withdrawn. The Board has also dismissed the appeal of hypertension and headaches.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical records and an updated opinion from the VA examiner regarding his service connection claim.