Migraines & headaches Board decisions

The veteran's claims for service connection for insomnia, memory loss, and headaches are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected undiagnosed illness that is most closely analogous to fibromyalgia is being remanded due to a discrepancy between the results of his September 2003 VA examination and his testimony at a RO hearing in September 2004.

The Board has granted an effective date of February 7, 1952 for the award of service connection for headaches due to a head injury, based on new and material evidence submitted in November 2001.

The Board has granted service connection for defective vision and an initial evaluation of 50 percent for MPDS with muscle contraction headaches prior to April 7, 2004. The veteran's symptoms met the criteria for a 50 percent rating since March 17, 1993.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran's vasovagal syncope and associated headaches do not warrant a rating in excess of 40 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the veteran's headaches and any related conditions such as dementia.

The veteran's initial ratings for asthmatic bronchitis, low back strain, residuals of head trauma (manifested by a tender scar and headaches), fracture of the right fifth metacarpal, and tinea pedis with bilateral onychomycosis have been denied.,No specific rating has been assigned for sinusitis.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected vascular headaches on his ability to work. The case will also be reviewed to determine if there has been marked interference with employment or an inability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation by reason of service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to ensure compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA) and other applicable laws, regulations, and case law.

The veteran's service connection claims for chronic headaches, left knee disability, Grave's disease, hypertension, and bilateral pes planus with right hallux deformity were granted. The initial ratings assigned are 20 percent for the left knee, 10 percent for Graves' disease, no rating for hypertension (as it is controlled by medication), and a compensable rating for bilateral pes planus and right hallux valgus.

The veteran's service does not meet the threshold eligibility requirements for nonservice-connected pension benefits due to lack of qualifying service. The claims for service connection for low back disorder, left knee strain, and migraine headaches with blackouts are denied as there is no evidence that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's headaches and dizziness disorder are not related to his service, including an in-service head injury. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has denied a compensable rating for migraines as the evidence does not show prostrating attacks.

The Board has determined that the veteran's headaches were not caused by his active military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right heel stress fracture, left heel stress fracture, sinusitis, PTSD, mood disorder not otherwise specified (claimed as depression), and back condition. The decision also noted that a VA examination of the feet was scheduled but the veteran did not appear.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for sinusitis with headaches and residuals of a left ankle injury are being remanded due to inadequate examination reports. Additional VA examinations will be conducted, and the case will be returned to the Board after further development.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a Travel Board hearing.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are denied. The VA examinations will be scheduled to address his hypertension, right knee disability, and bilateral foot disorder.