Migraines & headaches decisions — 2015

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not make him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board denies his claim for TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current bilateral hearing loss disability, but finds in favor of service connection for neck disability, headache disability, and disability manifested by numbness of the fingers in both hands due to in-service injury. The claims are granted.

The Veteran's service-connected head injury with seizure disorder and headaches were rated at 100% disabling starting March 26, 1998. The Appellant meets the criteria for basic eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits as the Veteran had a permanent and total service-connected disability from March 1998 to his death in September 2000.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of her claims, including whether her headaches are completely prostrating.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and opinion to determine if any current sinus condition or headaches are related to in-service facial trauma or a diagnosed sinus condition.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be related to his fear of hostile military or terrorist activity during service, and he has been diagnosed as suffering from this condition. The other claims are remanded for further development.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches, but denied all other claims on appeal. The decision is mixed as some issues were granted and others not.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD, anxiety disorder, asthma, tinnitus, chronic headaches, and bilateral knee condition. The evidence received since the final denial is sufficient to reopen these claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as the evidence did not establish that he met the criteria for chronic fatigue syndrome, eye disability (presbyopia), or nosebleeds. His hypertension was found to have its onset in service and is presumed to be related to his military service. The Veteran's bilateral foot disabilities are considered direct service-connected based on their manifestation during service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back, right shoulder, right hip, and left hip disabilities as secondary to her service-connected left knee disability. The Veteran was provided with a VA examination to assess the current severity of her left knee disability.,VA is required to obtain all relevant treatment records from VA and any identified private providers.

The Board found that the Veteran's migraine headaches preexisted service and were not aggravated by service, thus denying his claims for service connection.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for headaches and finds that her current diagnosed headache disability is causally related to her military service. The decision grants service connection for chronic headaches.

The Veteran's claim for an educational assistance benefits rate in excess of 60 percent under the post-9/11 GI Bill is denied as her only qualifying active duty service was less than 18 months and did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain VA examinations for the Veteran's claimed vision, dental, and headache disorders. The appeal will be returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for post MoyaMoya disease with residual headaches and hypertension are being remanded due to the need for updated treatment records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's breathing difficulties and loss of smell are related to his in-service septorhinoplasty, but his headaches are not.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete records, specifically a missing page from an October 2004 VA neurology examination report.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability for VA purposes, and thus service connection is denied. The remaining claims are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's injuries were not incurred or aggravated by active military service, ACDUTRA, or IDT. Therefore, her claims for service connection are denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to consider the relationship between her service-connected neurologic condition and her claimed migraine headaches, muscle pain of the upper back, arms and thighs, and gastrointestinal disability.