Migraines & headaches decisions — 2015

The Veteran's appeal was denied for various issues, including service connection claims and rating determinations. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable initial rating for tension headaches or for service connection for other conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have residuals of traumatic brain injury, including headaches and memory loss, incurred in service. The medical evidence does not support a finding of such injuries or their connection to service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the issues of service connection for tension headaches, a sleep disorder, bilateral restless leg syndrome, and skin disorder during the September 2014 Board hearing.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for TBI with migraine headaches and finds that service connection is warranted due to a causal relationship between his military boxing career and current TBI residuals.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claims for residuals of traumatic brain injury, residuals of whiplash trauma, and migraine headaches are not supported by the evidence. The Veteran's assertions regarding his in-service injuries have been considered, but there is no clear and unmistakable evidence to support a finding that these conditions preexisted service or were aggravated during service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for sinusitis with headaches and bilateral hearing loss are denied as the current ratings are considered to be the maximum allowed under VA regulations.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and thus the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for Posttraumatic Mixed Headache and Cognitive Disorder due to mild traumatic brain injury were denied by the RO in October 2008. The Veteran is seeking further review of these decisions.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for migraine headaches, chronic gynecological disability (pelvic pain and abnormal menses), acne, and chronic fatigue syndrome. The evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to her active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and effective dates have been denied as there is no evidence of a claim or entitlement prior to the assigned effective dates.

The Board found that the Veteran's headaches did not have their clinical onset in service and are not otherwise related to active duty. The Board also concluded that the Veteran's headaches are not caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's TBI residuals, including headaches and light-headedness, are rated at 40 percent effective June 21, 2012. His left ankle tendonitis is not service-connected. The Veteran was granted a 10 percent evaluation for GERD from March 26, 2012.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraines, as secondary to his service-connected mixed anxiety-depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current psychiatric disorder, and there is no evidence of muscle pain, joint pain, memory loss, sleep disorder or chronic fatigue related to his military service. The claims are therefore denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to attempt to locate a police report from the motor vehicle accident of May 15, 1982. The Veteran's claims for service connection will be readjudicated after this development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination, including medical opinions regarding his claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraine headaches, which is secondary to his service-connected panic disorder with agoraphobia and comorbid depression, has been remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal was withdrawn for the issue of service connection for asbestosis. The Board found that a compensable disability rating (10%) is warranted for his right forehead scar, but denied entitlement to higher ratings for PTSD and other conditions.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for sleep apnea has been reopened, and it is at least as likely as not that his obstructive sleep apnea began during active military service. The Veteran's PTSD and tension headaches are rated based on their impact on daily life.

The appellant is seeking an earlier effective date for the award of TDIU based on SSA disability benefits. The Board has determined that relevant SSA records need to be obtained and considered.