Migraines & headaches decisions — 2015

The Board has remanded the cases for issuance of a statement of the case as to whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim of service connection for a cervical spine disability, entitlement to service connection for a left knee disability, entitlement to service connection for a traumatic brain injury with residual headaches, and entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or on account of being housebound.

The Veteran's claims for initial increased disability ratings for urinary dysfunction, bowel dysfunction, headaches, right hip sacroiliac joint dysfunction with limitation of abduction and extension, left hip sacroiliac hip dysfunction with limitation of adduction and flexion, as well as recognition of his daughters J.G. and S.G. as helpless children prior to their 18th birthdays have been granted.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen any of the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection, including those for a spinal disorder, headaches, PTSD, fibromyalgia, and allergic rhinitis.

The Board finds that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including migraine headaches and white matter disease, are not related to his military service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for any of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for migraine headaches is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional development.

The Board dismissed the appeals for increased rating for migraine headaches and service connection for sleep apnea. The right hip disability claim was reopened, but denied as there is no current diagnosed right hip disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as his claimed conditions did not manifest during active duty or due to undiagnosed illness.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the need for new examinations and clarification of previous opinions.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral shin splints and sinusitis was granted. The claims for increased ratings for right ankle strain, migraines, major depressive disorder, low back strain, plantar fasciitis, and pes planus were also granted with specific rating assignments.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are characterized by prostrating attacks occurring on average at least once per month, with symptoms including nausea and loss of vision, and which necessitate lying in a quiet, dark room. The Board has granted entitlement to a 30 percent rating for the entire period on appeal.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development, including obtaining a medical opinion on whether the Veteran's claimed seizure disorder and headaches are secondary to his service-connected major depressive disorder. The case is now returned to the AOJ for further review.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was incurred in service and is presumed to be related. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence supports his claim for service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and conducting addendum opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are so severe as to preclude him from obtaining or maintaining employment, physical or sedentary, which could be considered substantially gainful versus just marginal in comparison when realizing his level of education, prior work experience and training.

The Veteran's service-connected headaches due to brain concussion prior to August 16, 2011 are rated at a maximum of 30 percent and the Board denied an increased rating.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain medical records and ensure the Veteran's claims are properly adjudicated. The case is being remanded for further action.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and scheduling VA examinations to address the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's migraines are rated at a 10% disability rating. The evidence shows that the Veteran experiences characteristic prostrating attacks occurring on an average once a month, warranting a 30% disability rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations were denied. The Board found no evidence of irritable bowel syndrome, but granted the highest schedular evaluation for fibromyalgia.

The Veteran's left hip strain and tension headaches were granted service connection with a noncompensable rating prior to May 3, 2013, and then increased to 10 percent effective May 3, 2013.