Migraines & headaches decisions — 2014

The Veteran's initial compensable evaluation for post-concussive headaches associated with TBI is denied. The claim of entitlement to an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for PTSD remains pending and will be remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for cerebral concussion with post-concussion headaches and overactive bladder with occasional overflow incontinence and nocturnal enuresis have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of these appeals.

The Veteran's migraine headaches were rated at 30 percent effective January 12, 2009 and remain at that level.

Service connection for headaches has been granted. The Veteran reported having headaches in service and the VA examiner found a current diagnosis of migraines.,Service connection for sleep apnea has not been established, as there is no evidence of its occurrence during service or that it is related to PTSD.

The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's current lumbar spine disorder to service and denied her claim for service connection. The TDIU claim was also denied as there were no service-connected disabilities rated at least 40% combined that met the criteria for a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including VA examinations and compliance with instructions from the Court. The Veteran's claim will be reviewed again after these actions are completed.

The Veteran is granted an initial 10 percent rating, but no higher, for degenerative changes of the left AC joint.,The Veteran is granted an initial 10 percent rating, but no higher, for chondromalacia patella of the right knee.,The Veteran is granted an initial 10 percent rating, but no higher, for chondromalacia patella of the left knee.,The Veteran is granted an initial 10 percent rating, but no higher, for a right calcaneal spur.,The Veteran is granted an initial 10 percent rating, but no higher, for a left calcaneal spur.,The Veteran is granted an initial compensable rating for headaches.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a compensable rating for ED, hemorrhoids, or hypothyroidism.

The Veteran's left shoulder rotator cuff partial tear, cervical strain (neck disability), and headaches are all found to be related to his active military service.

The Board has found that the Veteran is competent to manage his own funds without limitation, and therefore grants his claim for direct receipt of VA compensation benefits.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance/housebound benefits was denied as he does not meet the criteria for such benefits due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's asthma was aggravated by his active military service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including Lyme disease and its residuals, as well as secondary disabilities to these conditions, have been denied. The evidence does not support a finding that any of the claimed conditions are related to active military service or are due to a service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran's headaches are distinct from his service-connected sinusitis and whether they are related to military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's chronic headaches, residuals of back injury, and hypertension are not related to service.,Therefore, the claims for service connection for these conditions have been denied.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a currently diagnosed low back disability and denied service connection for this condition. The claim for an initial compensable evaluation for migraine headaches is pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for nephrolithiasis has been reopened and granted.,A 100 percent rating for PTSD is assigned, effective May 30, 2007.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for major depressive disorder is being remanded due to a need for additional medical opinion regarding when the condition may have manifested prior to February 13, 2009.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding the Veteran's headaches.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his cervical and thoracolumbar spine, left ankle arthritis with pain on motion, hypertension, and posttraumatic headaches were denied. The effective dates for the 20 percent ratings assigned to these conditions have been confirmed.