Migraines & headaches Board decisions

The Veteran's recurrent sinusitis with seasonal allergic rhinitis and migraine headaches are currently rated at 30 percent, but no higher. The Board finds that the current ratings adequately reflect the severity of her service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a chronic headache disorder or adenopathy that is related to his military service. The VA examiner's opinions were uncontradicted and supported by explanation.

The Veteran seeks service connection for neck, back, and migraine headaches. The Board has determined that VA examinations are required to determine the nature and etiology of these disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 30 percent and increased to 50 percent effective February 20, 2009.,Since November 5, 2007, the Veteran's migraine headaches have been rated at 50 percent.

The Veteran's headaches are found to be related to her military service, and she is granted service connection for this condition. The Board finds the evidence insufficient to establish a direct link between her anxiety and major depression and her military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss and gastroenteritis. The Veteran was not granted service connection for any of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his request for a Travel Board hearing. The case will be returned to the Board after the scheduled hearing.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing. The issues of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss, migraine headaches, and vertigo are still under consideration.

Throughout the rating period on appeal, the Veteran's chronic headache disorder has manifested in moderately severe, non-prostrating headaches occurring once or twice monthly accompanied by photophobia, phonophobia, nausea, and blurred vision. The criteria for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent have not been met.

The Board denied service connection for posttraumatic cluster headaches and tinnitus, finding that the preponderance of evidence is against a link to military service or events therein. The claim for increased rating for left knee disability was also addressed but not relevant to this response.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for an eye disability, but the Veteran's claim is considered a full grant of the benefit sought with respect to his established service-connected migraine headaches.

The Veteran's herpes simplex virus type 2 has been rated at 10 percent since September 29, 2003. Her migraines have not met the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cognitive disorder, tinnitus, headaches, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD), finding that there was no evidence to support these claims.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for residuals of a shrapnel wound to the head has been increased to 50 percent effective September 29, 1988.,Since October 23, 2008, the Veteran is also rated separately for his service-connected traumatic brain injury with migraines.

The Veteran's osteoporosis is granted secondary to his service-connected migraine headaches. The claim for carcinoid cancer remains pending as its status is unknown. His right ear hearing loss and migraine headaches are both rated at the maximum allowable under VA guidelines.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected chronic brain syndrome and any associated psychiatric conditions. The RO will also consider assigning separate evaluations for these conditions.

The Veteran's joint pain, muscle pain, and sleep disturbance are attributed to fibromyalgia. Her headaches are diagnosed as tension headaches and not due to an undiagnosed illness. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is not service-connected.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a more detailed VA examination to address the etiology of the Veteran's headaches and dizziness due to cerebellar dysfunction.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to allow for additional development of his claims, including VA examinations and the provision of a medical opinion regarding the etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD-related memory loss, have rendered him unemployable consistent with his education and occupational experience. Therefore, the Board grants a TDIU.