Migraines & headaches Board decisions

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional action by the RO, including obtaining private medical records and ensuring compliance with VCAA requirements.

The veteran's migraine headaches and sinusitis and allergic rhinitis have been granted initial evaluations, with the rating for migraine headaches increased to 30 percent effective February 27, 1997.

The Board has determined that the veteran's migraine headaches are currently evaluated at a 30 percent rating, which is the maximum available under Diagnostic Code 8100. The evidence does not support an increase in evaluation.

The veteran's claim for service connection for headaches is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records and notify him of his rights under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for tinea pedis, headaches, and peptic ulcer disease with duodenitis were denied. The veteran was granted a compensable evaluation for his service-connected tinea pedis.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development and to ensure that all notification and development required by the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 are completed.

The veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of headaches. The case is remanded to determine an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for undiagnosed illness characterized by muscle and joint pain, dizziness, fatigue, mood and memory problems.

The Board has determined that the veteran's headaches, muscle aches, insomnia and sleeplessness, fatigue, memory loss, joint pain and stiffness, depression, numbness in extremities, bleeding from gums, and frequent thirst are all considered to be due to undiagnosed illnesses related to his service in the Persian Gulf War. As such, these claims have been granted.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new examination and review of the claims file to determine if higher ratings are warranted for his service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's undiagnosed illness, characterized by multi-joint stiffness, tension headaches, respiratory problems, and gastrointestinal problems, is service-connected.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) as his service-connected disabilities do not meet the percentage requirements set out in 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a). The case is remanded to determine if the veteran should receive a separate rating for diplopia and to refer it to the Compensation and Pension Director under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(b) for further consideration.

The Board has decided the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a higher initial rating for hemorrhoids. The veteran does not have current hearing loss, and her hemorrhoids are currently rated as 0 percent disabling based on their mild to moderate nature. The remaining issues must be remanded due to procedural errors.

The veteran's claim for service connection for headaches has been denied. His lumbar strain and dysthymia have been granted with current ratings of 20% and 30%, respectively, but he is seeking higher ratings.

The Board has determined that the veteran's headaches, body aches and pains, shaking spells, and chest pains are related to service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including notification under the VCAA and additional medical examinations.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the veteran's headaches and dizziness.

The Board denied claims for service connection for various conditions, including headaches and dizziness, as due to an undiagnosed illness related to service in the Southwest Asia theater during the Persian Gulf War. The Board found that there was no evidence of a chronic disability resulting from an undiagnosed illness or medically unexplained multisymptom illness, and concluded that the veteran's conditions were not related to his service-connected low back disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for low back disorder, neck disorder, headaches, and skin rash due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's chronic headaches are of service origin and grants service connection for this condition.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded to allow for additional development of his medical records, including those from private chiropractors and VA facilities. The RO will also determine the nature and etiology of any psychiatric disorders he may have.