Migraines & headaches Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and service connection for a psychiatric disorder, headaches, cognitive changes, and memory loss as due to an undiagnosed illness. The Veteran's claim for service connection was reopened based on new evidence.

The Veteran's posttraumatic headaches were manifested by daily attacks and weekly prostrating episodes prior to May 5, 2007, warranting a 30 percent rating.

The Veteran's service-connected sinusitis and headaches have been granted initial compensable ratings of 30 percent each. The right and left knee disabilities are rated based on their specific limitations.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee condition, finding that the Veteran's current right knee disability is related to his in-service injuries. The remaining issues are addressed on remand.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his service-connected migraine headaches has been withdrawn by the Veteran and his representative. As a result, the Board does not have jurisdiction to review this issue.

The Veteran's service connection claim for residuals of a sternoclavicular sprain is granted. The Board finds that the Veteran has provided credible evidence to establish continuity of symptoms since service and current disability, warranting service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches are currently rated at 30 percent from November 30, 2010. Prior to this date, the initial rating of 10 percent was granted.

The Veteran's headache disorder is presumed to have been incurred or aggravated during his period of active service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss, tinnitus, a vestibular disorder manifested by dizziness, and headaches. The Veteran's preexisting conditions were aggravated during service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further evaluation of his service-connected post concussion type syndrome and headaches, including consideration of the new rating criteria. The case will be returned to the Board after additional development.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for additional development due to incomplete medical records and inadequate examination opinions.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for posttraumatic headaches, and the Board dismisses the appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of the right hand and an increased rating for cluster and/or migraine headaches. The Veteran did not meet the criteria for service connection due to lack of a current disability, and his headaches were rated at 10 percent under DC 8100.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including VA examinations to determine the nature and likely etiology of his claimed respiratory/pulmonary disability and headache disability. The RO/AMC will also issue a statement of the case addressing increased ratings for his knee disabilities.

The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's claim of service connection for migraine headaches and denied his claim. The Board also noted that he had a diagnosis of major depressive disorder, which was linked to his service-connected sleep apnea.

The Veteran's complaints of muscle pain, elevated enzymes, and neurological problems to include headaches have been attributed to an undiagnosed illness incurred in service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including intervertebral disc syndrome, lumbosacral spine; residuals of a right shoulder injury; intervertebral disc syndrome, cervical spine; right arm radiculopathy as secondary to cervical spine associated with intervertebral disc syndrome, cervical spine; and headaches, prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current disabilities, including his head injuries and depression, are related to his service. The Board granted service connection for residuals of a head injury and depression.

The Veteran's posttraumatic headaches (migraine) are rated at a 30 percent disability rating, the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 8100 for migraine headaches. The Veteran experiences frequent and severe headaches that have not significantly impacted his employment.

The Veteran's request for service connection for migraine headaches has been remanded due to the need for a travel board hearing at his local VA office in Burkburnett, Texas.