Migraines & headaches decisions — 2015

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a new VA examination and additional development, as there is conflicting medical evidence regarding the nature and etiology of his headaches. The Veteran contends that his current headache disorder may be related to service in Southwest Asia.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a Travel Board hearing for the issues from his second substantive appeal, including those from 2010.

The Board is reopening the claim of entitlement to service connection for blurred vision and remanding it for further development. The claims for higher initial ratings for adjustment disorder, vertigo, and tinnitus are fully decided. Effective dates for grants of service connection for these disabilities are also being considered.

The Veteran's service-connected post-concussion headaches alone precluded him from obtaining and maintaining any type of gainful employment as of July 28, 2004.

The Veteran's claims for an initial increased rating for his service-connected left shoulder disability and service connection for a headache disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran seeks service connection for headaches, low back disability, and venous circulatory insufficiency. The Board has ordered remand to obtain updated medical records and provide the Veteran with another VA examination.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied by the Board in November 2005, and he did not appeal this decision. The RO granted a TDIU effective August 24, 2009 based on his reported unemployment due to service-connected disabilities. However, it is not factually ascertainable that an increase in disability occurred prior to this date.

The Board has remanded the case for scheduling a personal hearing before a Veterans Law Judge (VLJ) sitting at the RO or in the alternative, a videoconference hearing.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder with cognitive and delusional disorder may have caused or aggravated his diagnosed headaches and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, and her migraine headaches are rated at 30 percent. Both conditions meet the criteria for increased ratings.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches have been manifested by very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks capable of producing severe economic inadaptability, warranting a maximum initial rating of 50 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service, thus granting service connection for these conditions. The claim for a headache disorder is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and addendum medical opinions.

The Veteran's service connection for chronic headaches and asthma has been granted, with a TDIU also being granted. The Veteran is currently receiving a combined rating of at least 70 percent due to her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for her tension headaches was granted, and she is now receiving a 30% disability rating. The decision acknowledges that the frequency of her headaches has increased since August 2, 2010.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's headaches do not meet or approximate the criteria for an extraschedular evaluation in excess of 60 percent. The Director's decision was based on accurate factual premises.

The Board has remanded both issues due to inadequate rationale in the April 2011 VA examination report, and because the memory loss claim is inextricably intertwined with the headache claim.

The Board is remanding the Veteran's claims for additional development and consideration, including to verify his alleged stressors related to PTSD. The claims will be readjudicated in light of all additional evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private medical records, scheduling new VA examinations, and issuing a supplemental statement of the case.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding no compensable hearing loss or significant impairment from his diagnosed conditions. The Veteran's appeals were dismissed due to withdrawal of his appeal regarding the left hand rating.