Migraines & headaches decisions — 2016

The Veteran's claims for service connection for migraine headaches and right wrist tendonitis are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining STRs and providing medical opinions regarding the onset of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's migraine headaches are not related to his military service and have denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury, including headaches. The Board has determined that additional development is needed and the case is being remanded to allow for AOJ consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU has been granted, and the issue of an increased rating for headaches is remanded.

The Veteran's migraine headaches have, on average, occurred three times per week and are prostrating in nature, causing nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and requiring the Veteran to lay down for sometimes hours at a time. The Board has determined that a 50 percent rating is warranted for these symptoms.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records from private providers and ensuring all relevant evidence has been considered.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the Veteran's Navy service records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records, as well as to provide a supplemental opinion regarding the etiology of his right knee osteoarthritis. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The Veteran's right peroneal nerve palsy is not manifested by complete paralysis, and the current 30 percent rating for this condition remains appropriate.,Posttraumatic oculomotor dysfunction does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.,Chin scars are rated based on their severity but do not warrant an increased rating as they do not cause significant functional impairment or limitation of motion.,The excision of the left serratus for a muscle flap graft affecting the non-dominant extremity does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.,Degenerative disc disease with facet arthritis and spondylosis of the lumbar spine does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it does not result in incapacitating episodes or severe ankylosis.,Since April 19, 2016, the Veteran's TBI has been manifested by level '3' impairment under the Table of Facets of Cognitive Impairment and Other Residuals of TBI Not Otherwise Classified based on motor activity. A separate compensable rating for a peripheral vestibular disorder as a residual of TBI is granted.,Posttraumatic headaches, status-post TBI do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is necessary to determine the etiology of the Veteran's claimed low back injury and headaches, as the current opinions are inadequate for rating purposes.

The Veteran has been rendered unable to maintain substantially gainful employment as a result of service-connected disabilities from June 26, 2012.

The Board has determined that there is no current diagnosed right leg disorder, headaches, or dizziness. The Veteran's complaints have been attributed to other conditions and medications.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches and fibromyalgia was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of current diagnoses or a nexus to military service.,Service connection is not granted as there is no diagnosis of fibromyalgia, and the Veteran does not meet criteria for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches are assigned a maximum schedular rating of 50 percent, the highest available. The Board also granted entitlement to TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities. However, the Veteran's service-connected left eye disability is rated at its maximum schedular evaluation of 30 percent and no higher.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for fibromyalgia of the bilateral legs. The claims for ischemic heart disease, coronary artery disease, acid reflux disorder, diabetes mellitus, headaches, and sleep apnea have also been denied as there is no current diagnosis or link to service.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder has been characterized by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70 percent rating.,Service connection is granted for bilateral onychomycosis of the feet and migraine headaches.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and headaches, finding that the Veteran did not have a chronic condition in service or within one year of separation from service.,There is no evidence showing hypertension began during service or within one year after separation.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability and headache disorder have been granted service connection, with a rating of 10 percent for the right shoulder disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and provide further examination opinions regarding her claimed conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing VA examinations to assess the severity of the appellant's service-connected gastritis secondary to GERD and trigeminal neuralgia with headaches.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed bilateral knee, foot, thoracolumbar spine, left hand injury, and headache disabilities were not incurred or aggravated during service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.