Migraines & headaches decisions — 2016

The Veteran's claims of service connection for migraines, peripheral vascular disease of the right leg, peripheral vascular disease of the left leg, residuals of Q fever, bilateral hearing loss, and Peyronie's disease were denied. The initial compensable rating claim for migraines was also denied.

The Veteran's headaches, neck condition, and shoulder condition are found to be related to his service. The Board finds in favor of the Veteran on all three issues.

The Board has determined that there is no current evidence of a low back disorder or chronic headache disorder (migraines) incurred in service. The Veteran's left knee and left ankle disorders are not shown to be related to her period of active duty.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is related to in-service noise exposure and service connection for this condition has been granted. The other issues on appeal are pending further development.

The Veteran's appeal regarding the initial rating for migraines and a higher rating for his acquired psychiatric disorder have been withdrawn. The Board has determined that he is entitled to a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for erectile dysfunction, Meniere's syndrome, and migraines are being remanded due to inadequate opinions regarding the relationship between these conditions and his service-connected tinnitus and/or medication.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a head injury was denied as there is no objective evidence that any head injury occurred in service.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for migraine headaches, residual of traumatic brain injury, status post cranioplasty to remove exostosis, on an extraschedular basis was denied as the disability is already rated at its maximum under the applicable diagnostic code.

The Veteran's migraine headaches have been rated as 50 percent disabling since November 5, 2014. The Board found that the Veteran's condition has resulted in frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and VA examination reports.

The Board is remanding the case for additional development to obtain a medical opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions and their relationship to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for a VA examination. The Veteran's claims will be reconsidered based on the additional evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD and headaches have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, meeting the criteria for a TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to appear for a scheduled hearing. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected amnestic and cognitive disorder due to head trauma with headaches. Additionally, he must be provided with proper duty-to-assist notice regarding his TDIU claim.

The Veteran's claim for a separate rating for his knee condition secondary to the ankle condition was denied. The right ankle disability is rated at 30 percent from October 1, 2014 onwards.,The Veteran's migraines are rated at 50 percent and granted TDIU based on this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches are rated at 50% for the entire period on appeal, resolving reasonable doubt in his favor. The issue of service connection for a bilateral foot disorder is pending and will be addressed after obtaining necessary medical examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, especially residuals of lumbar strain, left and right knee chondromalacia, left and right ankle strains, and left and right foot plantar fasciitis with hallux valgus, preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation. The Board grants a TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not related to service, and therefore, service connection is denied.

The Board is remanding the case for further examination and opinion regarding whether the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is caused or aggravated by his service-connected deviated septum and/or maxillary sinusitis with allergic rhinitis and sinus headaches.