Migraines & headaches decisions — 2015

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a travel Board hearing. The issues on appeal include service connection for various conditions and rating claims.

The Board has reopened the claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression. The Veteran's depression is found to be of service onset or secondary to a service-connected disability and thus service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability and headaches are related to his service, with no presumption or secondary connection involved.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses for services rendered at Ashland Community Hospital on March 6, 2012 is denied because the treatment was not in an emergency situation and VA facilities were feasibly available.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The Board found that the evidence was in equipoise on some issues, but ultimately denied all claims.

The Board found that the Veteran's neck, upper back, and headache disabilities were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The VA examinations did not find a direct link to service, and the examiner opined that these conditions are less likely than not caused by or related to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his service-connected tension headaches, maintaining the current 30 percent rating.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea, hypertension, and headaches. The Veteran's sleep apnea had its onset during active service, his hypertension is currently rated at 10 percent, and his headaches are rated at the maximum allowable under Diagnostic Code 8100.

The Board has granted service connection for erectile dysfunction and migraine headaches, and has awarded an effective date of December 18, 2009 for a 30 percent rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae. The claim for right carpal tunnel syndrome is being remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tension headaches has been granted. The claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to August 1, 2013, and in excess of 10 percent thereafter is remanded.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are currently rated at 30 percent, effective June 19, 2014. The Board finds that a higher evaluation of 50 percent is warranted based on the severity and frequency of his migraines.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus, migraines, and bilateral dry eye syndrome are related to his military service. The claim for a low back disability is remanded due to inconsistencies in the medical evidence. The claims for an initial rating of PTSD and for bilateral hearing loss require additional development.

The Veteran's service-connected traumatic brain injury is found to be related to his headaches, and the claim for service connection for posttraumatic headaches is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of the decision. The Veteran's migraines are rated at 30 percent since May 23, 2013.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and providing an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's ability to work due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including a resulting sleep disorder, was not incurred or aggravated by service.,The Veteran's claimed undiagnosed illness (Gulf War Syndrome) manifested by muscle pain, joint pain, fatigue, and a sleep disturbance were not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete records and need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's service connection claims for migraines, left ankle disability, back disability, and bilateral knee disabilities have been granted. The claim for PTSD has not been reopened.

The Veteran's service records show intermittent complaints of headaches and dizziness, but no current diagnoses have been linked to his service.,There is no medical evidence linking the Veteran's current disabilities (headaches and dizziness) to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's TDIU claim due to a failure of the VLJ to suggest obtaining VA psychiatric records, and for additional development regarding the combined impact of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to work.