Migraines & headaches decisions — 2016

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches and an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that new and material evidence has been submitted. The claims are now on the merits.

The Board found that the reduction of the rating for service-connected migraine headaches from 50% to 30%, effective June 1, 2015 was improper. The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches are manifested by almost constant non-incapacitating headaches and characteristic prostrating attacks approximately once per month.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the appellant's service status and her in-service assault. The issues of veteran status, PTSD, and migraine headaches are now pending for further development.

The Board found that the Veteran's current headaches are not related to his in-service head injuries and therefore denied service connection for this condition.

The Board has found that the Veteran's migraine headaches began during service and have continued since then, meeting the criteria for direct service connection.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding the combined effect of all his service-connected disabilities on his ability to work.

The Board finds that the elements of service connection have been established for the Veteran's residuals of a TBI, and affirms the grant of service connection.

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, a sleep condition, and migraine headaches. Service connection is granted for chronic fatigue syndrome.

The Veteran's claims for headache disorder and right shoulder disability are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a disability rating of 70 percent, effective from May 5, 2009 to July 25, 2013. The Veteran's other claims have been denied.

The Veteran's headaches were initially rated at 10 percent prior to August 6, 2010, and increased to 30 percent thereafter. The appeal is granted for the period from January 29, 2007 through August 5, 2010.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for all issues on appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to provide a VA examination and address the issues of service connection for various disabilities allegedly related to heat stroke during service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining SSA records and a new VA examination to determine all current residuals of the service-connected TBI. The Veteran's claim remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, stress fracture of the lumbar spine and thoracic spine, photosensitivity, and vertigo have been granted. The claim for increased rating for a lumbar spine disability remains pending. A TDIU has also been granted.

The Veteran's claimed residuals of head injury are not shown at any time during this appeal and the Board finds no evidence to support service connection for these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and a headache disorder due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to her active duty service.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at the maximum 50 percent disability rating effective May 19, 2005.

The Veteran's service-connected chronic headaches and residuals of a concussion have been rated at 40 percent since July 18, 2013. The Board found that the evidence did not support an evaluation higher than 40 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran wishes to withdraw his claim for an increased evaluation for bilateral hearing loss. The claims of service connection for sinusitis, migraine headaches, acquired psychiatric disability (to include major depressive disorder), and skin cancer have been denied as there is no current diagnosis or evidence linking these conditions to service or a service-connected condition. The TDIU claim has also been denied.