Migraines & headaches decisions — 2015

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for higher disability ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine disability, entitlement to an effective date prior to December 4, 2009, and entitlement to a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The issues of service connection for flat feet, hepatitis C, cirrhosis, and headaches have also been denied.

The Board has granted a 10% rating for hypertension and restored the 50% rating for headaches. The claim for increased rating of low back strain with degenerative disc disease and sacroiliac joint osteoarthritis is denied. TDIU remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new examination and additional treatment records. The issue of entitlement to a disability rating in excess of 30 percent for migraine headaches will be reconsidered.

The Veteran's headaches are found to be related to her service-connected PTSD, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's symptoms, including headaches, dry and irritated eyes, shortness of breath, drooling, and left-sided facial numbness, have been attributed to his nonservice-connected conditions. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against a finding of an undiagnosed illness or chronic multi-symptom illness related to service in Southwest Asia.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his service connection claims, including obtaining VA treatment records and a TBI examination. His initial rating claim for a right little finger disability and TDIU are also being remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for headaches. The issue of entitlement to service connection for pericarditis remains pending.

The Board has determined that the injuries sustained in January 1984 were incurred in the line of duty and not due to willful misconduct, thus granting service connection for these disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension as secondary to his currently service-connected conditions, including seborrheic dermatitis, migraine headaches, and erectile dysfunction, is being remanded. Additionally, the issue of special monthly compensation based on need for Aid and Attendance/Housebound status is also being remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions regarding his cerebellar infarction, motor and sensory problems, and headaches. The case will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to an inadequate medical opinion in August 2010, which did not consider whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities caused or contributed to his death from blunt force head trauma.

The Veteran is entitled to a TDIU from November 28, 2008 due to the combined effects of her service-connected disabilities (PTSD and recurrent abscesses) which made it impossible for her to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the claims due to incomplete records and conflicting medical opinions. The Veteran's service connection claims for low back, bilateral knee, bilateral wrist, and headache disabilities are being reviewed with additional development.

The Veteran's headaches are found to be related to his military service, and he is granted service connection for this condition. The gastrointestinal disorder and pancreatitis claims are remanded due to the need for additional examination.

The Veteran's cervical radiculopathy of the left upper extremity is related to his military service and has been granted. The other issues remain under consideration.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and scheduling a VA examination to address the relationship between his service-connected conditions and asbestos exposure.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a headache disorder. The claims for secondary service connection for right and left knee disorders remain on appeal.

The Veteran's migraine headaches have been granted an initial rating of 30 percent, effective February 28, 2011.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to a request for a Board hearing. The specific issues of rating headaches, seeking higher ratings for low back strain, and seeking service connection for various hip and leg disabilities remain unresolved.

The Board has denied all service connection claims except for the reopening of a previously denied claim for allergic rhinitis, which was reopened based on new and material evidence. The Veteran's other conditions are not currently shown to be related to his military service.