Migraines & headaches Board decisions

The Veteran's headaches, which are residuals of a craniotomy for frontal sinus infection during service, have been rated as 30 percent disabling since November 10, 2010. The rating is based on the characteristic prostrating attacks occurring over once a month.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches and hemangioma of the left arm and hand preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation, meeting the criteria for a TDIU.

The Board found no evidence of a current headache disorder related to the Veteran's military service or his service-connected residuals of right eye laser surgery, and thus denied both claims.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the cause of death and the Veteran's service-connected conditions. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Board finds that service connection for residuals of second-degree burns on the palms with nerve damage is not warranted due to inadequate evidence of current disability. The remaining claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being REMANDED for additional development, including VA examinations and the provision of relevant medical records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for headache disorder is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and further development of the record.

The Board has remanded the claims due to insufficient evidence on whether service connection can be granted for headaches, a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, and various physical disabilities. The Veteran's willful misconduct in driving under the influence of alcohol during a vehicle accident is also being reconsidered.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for tinnitus, headaches, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of these conditions at any point during the appeals period.

The Board granted a 50 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected headaches, which is the highest schedular rating available. The Veteran was also granted TDIU based solely on his service-connected headache disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches, hemorrhoids, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and left leg deep vein thrombosis (DVT) were granted increased ratings. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, low back disability, cervical spine disability, sinusitis, right knee disability, and bilateral plantar fasciitis issues remain unresolved.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection for residuals of right knee injury and chronic headaches. The claim for service connection for residuals of right knee injury is granted, as there is medical evidence linking the current degenerative arthritis to his inservice right knee injury. The claim for service connection for chronic headaches remains pending due to insufficient information on its etiology.

The Board found that the preponderance of evidence does not support a finding of service connection for headaches, dizziness, and nausea due to exposure to hazardous environmental agents employed in Project SHAD.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as his service-connected conditions did not warrant a higher rating or additional service connection. The scar of the left parietal area of the scalp, while present, did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging a comprehensive examination to determine whether his service-connected disabilities render him unemployable. The issue of entitlement to an extraschedular rating for headaches will also be considered.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of right head and ear injury are currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board found that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea, headaches, and shortness of breath were not incurred or aggravated in service and are not proximately due to his service-connected autoimmune disorder associated with Gulf War environmental exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions were denied. The Board found no evidence of current disabilities or a nexus to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches is being remanded due to the unavailability of his military service records and a need for further medical examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining an examination and opinions regarding whether the Veteran's headaches are secondary to his service-connected sinusitis or if they were incurred in service.