Migraines & headaches decisions — 2016

The Veteran's disability rating for his service-connected headaches was reduced from 50 percent to 10 percent effective October 1, 2012. The Board found that there had been no actual improvement in the Veteran's condition since the reduction and thus ruled in favor of restoring the original 50% rating.

The Veteran's PTSD was previously rated as depressive disorder, not otherwise specified and has been granted a 50 percent disability rating effective April 30, 2014.,The Veteran's migraine headaches have been granted a 50 percent disability rating effective May 7, 2014.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate readjudication and requests for a new VA examination. The claim of entitlement to service connection for headaches remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining missing records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed headaches.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the submission of new evidence and a request for a Travel Board hearing. The claims will be readjudicated by the RO.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and development due to the oldness of his VA examination records.

The Board denied service connection for refractive error of the left eye with vision disturbance due to muscle trauma and headaches, finding that these conditions were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The Veteran did not appeal this decision.

The Veteran's migraine headaches met the criteria for a 50 percent disability rating prior to September 3, 2015. The claim has been granted in full.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed due to the need for an addendum opinion regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including as due to service-connected migraine headaches and tinnitus. The Veteran's representative requested a new opinion considering his service-connected conditions and medications.

The Board has determined that the Veteran was entitled to a 30 percent rating for migraine headaches as of October 6, 2008, and therefore grants an effective date of August 24, 2011.

The Veteran's headache disorder is found to be proximately due to or the result of his service-connected tinnitus. The Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disability, headaches, and dizzy spells are service-connected. The decision grants these claims with a 20% rating for the left knee disability.

The Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 10 percent for arthritis, but a separate 10 percent rating has been granted for instability.,A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was established from January 24, 2012.

The Veteran's service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is granted. Effective June 23, 2009, a 30 percent but no higher rating for headaches is granted.

The Veteran's migraine headaches were initially rated at 10 percent prior to May 28, 2015. Since then, the disability has been rated at 50 percent.

The Veteran is unable to obtain or maintain gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities, and the Board finds that he meets the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's service-connected rebound headaches are rated as 10 percent disabling, but the Board finds that they do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating due to their nature and frequency.

The Veteran's headaches, gastrointestinal disability, and cervical spine (neck) disability are found to be related to his service-connected mental health disabilities. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board issuing a decision.