Migraines & headaches decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for migraine headaches was denied. The Board has remanded the issue to allow for a new VA examination.

The Veteran seeks service connection for headaches, which he claims are secondary to a traumatic brain injury sustained in service. The Board is concerned that there may be a relationship between his headaches and his service-connected cervical strain with muscle spasm.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a diagnosed vestibular disorder or headaches related to service. The appellant's claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not etiologically related to service or a service-connected disability, and thus denied his claims for service connection.

The Board finds that the Veteran likely developed multilevel cervical spine DDD while in service, and grants entitlement to service connection for this condition based on a presumption of service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches resulted in very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability, warranting a rating not to exceed 50 percent.

The Veteran's appeal was withdrawn due to his request. The Board granted a 30 percent initial rating for migraines, finding that the Veteran had at least one characteristic prostrating attack per month.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches, to include as secondary to his service-connected right shoulder strain or cervicalgia, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and an examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disability was not incurred in or aggravated during service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's reported in-service injury is not credible, and therefore, service connection for any cervical spine disorder, numbness and tingling of the lower extremities, or headaches cannot be established. The Board also found no evidence of a chronic disease manifesting within one year post-service.

The Board found that the Veteran's migraine headaches are not related to his military service, including especially not caused or worsened by his service-connected hemangioma of the nose. The claim was denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a head injury, including seizure disorder and headaches, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his current disabilities.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50 percent disabling from May 31, 2012. The Board finds that the evidence supports a finding of very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed residuals of a traumatic brain injury are not service-connected, as there is no medical evidence linking his current symptoms to his in-service exposure to IED detonations. The claim for bilateral pes planus and an increased rating for hiatal hernia and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD rating was reduced from 100% to 70%, effective May 1, 2008, due to significant improvement in his condition as evidenced by VA examinations conducted in April and August 2007.

The Veteran's fatigue, headaches, chronic pain condition, respiratory symptoms, GERD, and weight gain/loss are not service connected as they do not meet the criteria for a qualifying chronic disability under VA regulations.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for PTSD and found new and material evidence. The Veteran's other psychiatric conditions are also being considered, but a remand is required to obtain VA treatment records and provide an adequate examination.

Prior to October 5, 2011 the Veteran was granted an initial evaluation of 50 percent for his migraine headaches. As of October 5, 2011, he is entitled to a 30 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a head injury, migraine headaches, and low back disorder have been denied as they are not supported by evidence showing an in-service occurrence or relationship to military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and medical records from various VA facilities. The Veteran's claim will be considered on the merits.