Migraines & headaches decisions — 2015

The Board has determined that an effective date of August 7, 2006, is granted for the assignment of a 10 percent rating for the service-connected headache disability.

The Board has remanded the case back to the AOJ for further development and consideration of the Veteran's claims, including obtaining an additional etiology opinion regarding his irritable bowel syndrome.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's migraine headaches have been rated at the highest schedular rating under Diagnostic Code 8100 for the entire increased rating period from December 19, 2005. The external hemorrhoids have not manifested symptoms warranting a compensable disability rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to appear for a scheduled hearing. He has submitted a motion for a new hearing and has provided medical documentation indicating he was under care following recent surgery, which caused him to miss the hearing.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeal with regard to PTSD and TBI.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches is denied as there is no evidence of a headache disorder during the pendency of his claim. The claims for increased ratings and service connection for other conditions are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and migraine headaches have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a TDIU based on this combined effect.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including a fatty tumor of the head, headaches, and left wrist disorder, are not related to service. The Veteran did not meet the criteria for service connection as his current disabilities do not constitute a disability for VA purposes.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including psychiatric disorders, diabetes mellitus, retinopathy, knee and back disorders, hypertension, genitourinary issues, skin conditions, arthritis, traumatic brain injury, fibromyalgia, Reiter's syndrome, autoimmune disorder, hand and elbow disorders, and kidney problems. The decision also denied a temporary total rating for convalescence purposes due to right thumb fracture.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations and a review of his exposure to herbicides. The TDIU issue will be deferred until the other claims are resolved.

The Veteran's service-connected headaches are characterized by very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks, resulting in severe economic inadaptability. The Board has determined that the current disability rating of 50% adequately compensates for his condition.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's migraine disorder is secondary to his service-connected panic disorder with agoraphobia and comorbid depression.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to inadequate opinions from a VA examiner who conducted previous examinations. The Veteran's gastrointestinal and headache disorders are being evaluated by an appropriate medical professional.

The Board has determined that service connection is warranted for tinnitus, finding it at least as likely as not that the Veteran's tinnitus originated during his active duty.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for service connection for diabetes mellitus, left arm impingement with neuropathy, and migraine headaches. As a result, the Board does not have jurisdiction to further consider these matters.

The appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or special home adaptation grant as they do not result in a total and permanent disability to preclude locomotion without aids.

The Veteran's TBI with headaches prior to August 22, 2013 resulted in mild impairment of cognitive functions. After that date, his condition manifested as mild impairment of memory and attention. The Veteran also has a separate service-connected anxiety disorder. The Board found the rating for TBI with headaches was not higher than 40 percent after August 22, 2013, but did not address the claim for anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unemployable, and the Board finds that he is entitled to a TDIU based on his combined rating of 90 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's migraine headaches and her service-connected disabilities, specifically asthma and PTSD. The Veteran will be scheduled for a VA examination to address these issues.