Migraines & headaches decisions — 2014

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for a spine disability, right foot hallux valgus, bilateral breast reduction, or chronic headaches. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disability is denied as there is no current diagnosis and it is less likely than not caused by service. Service connection for sleep apnea, left knee, and right knee disabilities cannot be established due to lack of evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches are rated at 50 percent, effective May 4, 2011. His major depression is currently evaluated as 50 percent disabling.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claim and granted service connection for headaches as they are causally related to in-service exposure to CARC paint.

The Veteran's increased rating for vascular and tension headaches from March 8, 2006 was granted.,The Veteran's TDIU rating was granted effective November 1, 2008.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including glaucoma, pancreatitis, prostate disorder, syncope, headache disorder, neck disorder, and back disorder, were not incurred or aggravated during active duty service. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for chronic headaches and granted it. The Veteran's chronic headaches are found to be related to his active duty service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's petitions to reopen his previously denied claims for service connection for migraine headaches and sinusitis, finding that no new and material evidence has been presented.

The Veteran's headaches have been manifested by very frequent, completely prostrating and prolonged attacks that are productive of severe economic inadaptability. The Board finds that the symptomatology for headaches more closely approximates a 50 percent disability evaluation.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for migraine headaches and granted service connection based on a continuity of symptomatology since separation from service.

The Board denied all the issues on appeal, including entitlement to increased ratings for various service-connected disabilities and an earlier effective date for service connection of a depressive disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding her service-connected conditions, specifically GERD and H. Pylori.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected headaches and whether he has an acquired psychiatric disorder caused by active service or his service-connected headaches.

The Board granted the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for the award of a TDIU and eligibility for DEA benefits, both effective March 18, 2007.

The Veteran's appeal is REMANDED to the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ) for further action. The case will be returned to the Board only if additional development or other appropriate action is taken.

The Veteran's headaches were incurred during service and granted service connection.,From November 26, 2010, the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional development for the Veteran's claims, including scheduling new VA examinations and affording him an opportunity for a hearing.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and headaches are being remanded due to procedural issues and the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea, neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, depression (also claimed as anxiety and sleeplessness), hypertension, headaches, blurred vision, shortness of breath, and tachycardia are all due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The service connection is granted.

The Veteran's migraine headaches have been manifested throughout the appeal period, with completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic adaptability. The Board has granted a 50 percent rating for his service-connected migraine headaches.

The Board has granted the Veteran's service connection claims for residuals of traumatic brain injury, right shoulder disorder, and left shoulder disorder. The decision also addressed his TDIU claim but noted that further action was required.