Migraines & headaches Board decisions

The Board denied service connection for pes planus, right ankle disability, and migraine headaches. The Veteran's current symptoms of flat feet were not shown to be related to his active duty service, while the right ankle disability was resolved without residual issues. Service-connected migraine headaches are currently rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's sleep apnea with asthma is rated at 50 percent, and his migraine headaches are rated at 10 percent from October 24, 2007, through February 7, 2010. The rating for the migraine headaches was increased to 30 percent as of February 8, 2010.

The Veteran's service-connected ocular headache disability is rated at 10 percent effective from September 3, 2010. The Board found that the Veteran did not have qualifying prostrating headaches before or after this date.

The Board has granted service connection for tension headaches and an increased rating for the Veteran's left eye injury, with a current disability rating of 40 percent.

The Board denied service connection for headaches, dizziness, anxiety, high cholesterol, and a cervical spine disability. The claim for hypertension was not reopened as new and material evidence was not received.

The Veteran's appeal is being REMANDED to the RO/AMC for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging for a VA examination. The claims for initial higher ratings on appeal will be readjudicated after all actions are completed.

The Veteran's chronic disability exhibited by headaches was not incurred or aggravated in service. The Board found no evidence of a current disability related to active duty.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development, specifically the need for SSA medical records underlying a denial of disability benefits. The VA is required to obtain these records and provide them to the claims folder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed bilateral hearing loss is the result of active military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition. The issue of service connection for a headache disorder remains unresolved as it was not limited to the March 2009 decision.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred on August 25, 2009 is being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration. Specifically, the AOJ must obtain a copy of the September 2009 VA medical opinion regarding whether there was a valid medical emergency on that day, as well as any outstanding VA treatment records from The Villages OPC and the Gainesville VAMC. Additionally, the AOJ needs to attempt to obtain private treatment records from Leesburg Regional Medical Center.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss, headaches, a nervous disorder, and a back condition. The evidence did not show that any of these conditions were incurred during or caused by his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for migraine headaches and lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease, disc bulging L4-5, and degenerative joint disease were denied as the evidence did not show that his conditions warranted a higher rating.

The Veteran's brain cancer, bladder incontinence, yeast infection, chronic headaches, and depression were not service-connected due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The cause of death was determined to be progressive leptomeningeal glioma, anaplastic astrocytoma.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary prior to adjudication of the Veteran's claims for service connection, including obtaining private treatment records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Board denied payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at a private hospital on October 12, 2010 because the treatment was not for an emergency as defined by law.

The Veteran's low back disability and right forearm injury with a large fatty tumor are not service-connected.,There is no evidence of herbicide or ionizing radiation exposure during service, nor any diagnosed skin condition on hands and arms. The Veteran's claimed disabilities do not meet the criteria for service connection based on these exposures.,The Veteran has not been diagnosed with a pulmonary disorder related to service, asbestos exposure, or second-hand tobacco smoke.,There is no evidence of a current disability characterized by general malaise or headaches that can be linked to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed disabilities, including obstructive sleep apnea, residuals of frostbite of the right foot, boils, migraine headaches, and depression, are not related to active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for various symptoms, including shortness of breath, nightmares and twitching in sleep, mood swings, cold or night sweats, short term memory loss, headaches, fast heart beat, chest tightness or chest pain, joint pain and stiffness, excessive bloating and gas, burning skin and feet, loss of vision, and excessive fatigue have been denied. The effective date for the grant of service connection for irritable bowel syndrome is October 29, 2007.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings, service connection, and total disability rating based upon individual unemployability were denied. The claim to reopen a skin rash was previously denied in December 1981 and May 1994.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial evaluation for migraine headaches has been granted, with the rating now at 30 percent. The other claims remain pending.