Migraines & headaches decisions — 2015

The Veteran's headaches were rated at 30 percent from August 10, 2013. The Board denied a higher rating as the evidence did not show very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.

The Veteran's migraine headaches disability has been rated at 10 percent prior to August 15, 2013, and thereafter, an evaluation in excess of 30 percent. The Board finds that the evidence supports a higher rating.

The Veteran's posttraumatic headaches have been granted a 50% evaluation, effective April 1, 2012.,His right index finger disability remains noncompensable.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU was denied as he failed to provide sufficient information and evidence to establish that his service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to obtain and sustain a substantial gainful occupation.

The Board has granted service connection for a headache disorder, finding that the Veteran's headaches are not caused or aggravated by his service-connected allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran's appeals were denied for various conditions and benefits.

The Veteran's appeal on the issues of entitlement to a rating in excess of 60 percent for Wolf-Parkinson-White syndrome and whether new and material evidence had been received to reopen claims of service connection for a neck disability and left ovarian/pelvic pain has been withdrawn. The remaining appeals are addressed below.

The Veteran's appeal includes requests for higher ratings for his migraine headaches. The Board has found that the evidence supports a schedular rating of 50 percent, but also raises questions about whether an extraschedular rating is warranted.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability rating and service connection have been withdrawn.

The Veteran's right chronic Achilles tendonitis is rated at 10 percent, the maximum available under Diagnostic Code 5271. Service connection for cervical spine arthritis and left upper extremity radiculopathy (due to cervical spine disability) are granted as they are related to service-connected conditions. Migraine headaches are also service connected. Thoracic outlet syndrome is not service connected due to lack of a nexus. Somatic symptom disorder and antisocial personality disorder are service connected, while borderline personality disorder is not.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional VA examination and consideration of all evidence, including treatment records prior to October 2000.

The Veteran meets the schedular criteria for a TDIU and his service-connected disabilities preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board denied service connection for glaucoma, an acquired psychiatric disability, and other conditions. The Veteran appealed these decisions to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (Veterans Court), which granted a joint motion vacating the May 2009 decision denying service connection for glaucoma and an acquired psychiatric disability and remanded those issues to the Board.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a headache disability, including chronic headaches and migraines, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of March 26, 1993 for the grant of service connection for migraine headaches as secondary to right eye disability. The Veteran's appeal regarding a higher initial evaluation for his migraine headache disability is dismissed.

The Veteran's current GERD/dyspepsia, umbilical hernia, and right inguinal hernia were incurred during his military service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the Veteran's complete service treatment records, including both active duty and National Guard records. The appeal will be remanded for further action.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed disabilities are not related to his military service or a service-connected disability, and therefore, denied the claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is not related to service, as there was no in-service noise exposure and no chronicity of symptoms within one year of separation from service. The other conditions were also not found to be related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and arranging for a neurological examination to assess the severity of his headaches.