Migraines & headaches decisions — 2013

The Board granted service connection for arthritis of multiple joints and rhinitis, assigned initial noncompensable disability ratings to the Veteran's migraine headaches, lumbar strain, bilateral knee strains, bilateral ankle strains, hypertension, and anxiety disorder (NOS), and increased the rating for migraine headaches since May 14, 2013.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and providing the Veteran with a VA examination to assess his migraine headaches. A TDIU claim will also be developed.

The Veteran's initial disability ratings for bilateral hearing loss and headache disability were granted, with the headache rating being increased to 50 percent effective July 27, 2012. The left great toenail deformity was granted an initial non-compensable rating.

The Board denied service connection for heart disability, headaches, right ear hearing loss, hypertension, and cervical spine joint and disc disease due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or the Agent Orange exposure. The Veteran's claims were not reopened as new evidence did not meet the criteria for reopening.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for tinnitus, headaches, and a right foot disability were granted with effective dates of November 1, 2006. The appeal is dismissed as the issues are moot.

The Veteran's migraine headaches were manifest within one year after her discharge from active service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for flat feet, headaches, a cyst/tumor/growth on the head and neck, and a respiratory disorder are being remanded due to incomplete records and need for further development.

The Veteran's IBS with GERD is rated at 30 percent from March 10, 2010. His migraine headaches are currently rated as noncompensable.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches have been rated at 30 percent prior to September 23, 2011 and at 50 percent beginning on that date.

The Veteran's headaches are rated at the maximum schedular rating of 50 percent, which is the highest possible rating under Diagnostic Code 8100.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for neurological disability, diagnosed as migraine syndrome and homonymous hemianopia. The Veteran's current neurological disability is found to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's headaches of a prostrating nature were demonstrated at least once a month prior to April 12, 2010. The Board found that the criteria for a 30 percent rating for migraine headaches were met.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various Gulf War Illness symptoms are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea has been granted, effective June 1, 2005. The issue of entitlement to TDIU prior to August 30, 2012 is being remanded due to the change in his disability picture.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination to address whether the Veteran currently suffers from a separate headache disorder that is related to military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from the examiner who provided the August 2013 addendum and clarifying whether the Veteran's headaches were at least as likely as not related to his military service. The issue of service connection for cervical spine disability is also referred to the RO.

The Veteran's current diagnosis of migraine headaches is found to be related to her military service, and the benefit of doubt has been resolved in her favor.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple conditions and issues, including PTSD, depression disorder, anxiety disorder, TBI residuals, low back disorder, dental trauma, loss of sense of smell, and a claim for TDIU. The case is being remanded to reschedule the Veteran for a videoconference hearing.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining private medical records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the severity of his headaches and right elbow disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including new examinations and the issuance of a statement of the case on certain issues.