Migraines & headaches Board decisions

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected low back disability, paracervical strain, and post-traumatic headaches were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent.

The Board granted service connection for post-traumatic headaches and assigned a 30 percent evaluation, effective December 1998. Service connection for Crohn's disease was also granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral central serous retinopathy and other conditions, do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for headaches and left ear hearing loss, as well as his claim for service connection for facial asymmetry were all denied. The Board found that the veteran did not have a diagnosis of multi-infarct dementia related to his brain trauma from service, and his MRI was negative. For his left ear hearing loss, he does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA's tables for evaluating impaired hearing. Regarding facial asymmetry, there is no medical evidence showing that it is due to an event in service.

The Board has determined that the veteran did not incur bilateral hearing loss, hemorrhoids, or headaches due to trauma in service. The claims are denied.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining a VA examination to determine the likely etiology of his claimed migraine headaches and arthritis. The RO must also consider all additional evidence added to the record in November 2006.

The veteran's claimed disabilities, including headaches, musculoskeletal chest pain, aching muscles, allergic rhinitis, anemia, bilateral foot pain, and stomach pain, are not service-connected as they do not have a link to his military service.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no evidence of chronic disabilities in service or within one year post-service, with the exception of a diagnosis of dry eyes and refractive error in November 1997.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding medical questions regarding the veteran's back and muscle conditions in service, as well as post-service injuries. The claims will be adjudicated again based on this new development.

The Board denied all claims for service connection due to lack of evidence showing a link between the claimed conditions and military service, or as undiagnosed illnesses related to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for shortness of breath, chronic fatigue, onychomycosis (foot problems), headaches, and hemorrhoids. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including providing VCAA notice and obtaining his VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Education file. The effective date of the TDIU award will be determined based on when entitlement arose.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a head injury, including headaches and memory loss. The evidence submitted since the January 1988 decision does not provide new or material evidence to support reopening the claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for joint pain and headaches, finding that they were not incurred or aggravated by active service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of the evidence, including a video-conference hearing. The issues on appeal are whether he should be granted service connection for headaches and a gastrointestinal disorder, including ulcers.

The Board has granted an increased rating to 50 percent for migraine headaches, finding that the veteran's symptoms more closely approximate the requirement for a 50 percent evaluation.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, headaches, residuals of a head injury, genitourinary condition, and left ankle condition due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining National Guard service records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his current headaches. The case will be returned to the Board after these actions are completed.

The Board has granted service connection for Lyme disease. The secondary service connection claims for headaches, Bell's palsy, psychiatric disability, and arthritis are remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the veteran's chronic headache disorder is related to service, and his respiratory disorder is not related to asbestos exposure in service. The claims are therefore granted for a chronic headache disorder but denied for a respiratory disorder.