Migraines & headaches decisions — 2015

The Veteran's migraine headaches were incurred in service and the Board finds that she is entitled to service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for conversion-type psychoneurosis with headaches and vasomotor instability from October 3, 1959 to March 8, 1994. The reduction from 50% to 30% was also denied.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are manifested by characteristic prostrating attacks occurring on average once a month over the last several months, warranting a 30 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's lumbosacral degenerative disc disease, endometriosis, and migraine headaches have been granted service connection with initial ratings of 10%, 10%, and 0% respectively. The lumbosacral spine disability is rated at 20% since February 8, 2013.

The Veteran's muscle pain, joint pain, and headaches are found to be related to his service due to undiagnosed illness. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and medical opinions regarding his claimed disabilities, including a TBI and related headaches.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches and residuals of a head injury is being remanded due to the need for an examination, as well as further inquiry into treatment records.

The Veteran's TBI residuals, including headaches and vertigo, are rated at 10 percent. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is pending as a separate issue. The Veteran's TDIU claim was granted.

The Board finds that the Veteran's eye disability, including diplopia, was not incurred in service and his head trauma residuals are not shown to be related to service. The evidence does not support a finding of continuity of symptoms since service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for lower extremity radiculopathy, chronic headache disability, and myotonic dystrophy due to her failure to report for VA examinations scheduled in conjunction with her claim. The criteria for a denial based on application of 38 C.F.R. § 3.655 have been met regarding the claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for low back disability.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected right shoulder disability. The claim of service connection for cervical dysplasia, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, headaches, lymph node disorder, and skin disorder (abscesses and cellulitis) on the chin and above the eye has been granted.

The Board found no evidence of hearing loss or any other service-connected condition that would support a grant of service connection for the Veteran's claimed disabilities. The Veteran was denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, chronic headaches, recurrent lumbar strain, sciatica of both lower extremities, and sleep apnea.

The Veteran's headaches have been rated as 30 percent disabling, which is the highest schedular rating available for this condition. The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy with neuritis of the right forearm remains at a 20 percent rating.

The Veteran's ovarian cysts are found to be related to her service, but the headaches and hemoglobin C trait are not.,Service connection is denied for a headache disability as there is no evidence of such condition during service.

The Veteran's headaches are rated at 10 percent prior to October 23, 2013, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds this rating is appropriate as his attacks occur once or twice a month and do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraine headaches, which is related to her service-connected disabilities, needs further examination and opinion. The Board has decided to remand the case for this purpose.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining records related to his workers' compensation claim and private treatment records from the 2001 motor vehicle accident. The issues of service connection for lumbar spine disability, headaches, and a head injury are also pending.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and review, including scheduling a hearing if requested by the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining missing VA treatment records and scheduling new examinations for his right shoulder and headaches.