Migraines & headaches decisions — 2016

The Veteran's current chronic headaches are not service-connected as they were not manifest during or within one year after his periods of active duty, and there is no evidence linking them to service. The Veteran's psychiatric disorder and left ankle strain disabilities meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches were productive of very frequent attacks that were prolonged and completely prostrating in nature, resulting in severe economic inadaptability from June 4, 2010 to October 31, 2011. A 50% disability rating was granted for this period.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chloracne, lipomas, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and headaches are being remanded due to outstanding VA treatment records and a need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating or service connection based on exposure to chemicals and/or environmental hazards in the Southwest Asia theater of operations.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death. The issues on appeal were whether new and material evidence had been received to reopen a claim of residuals of head trauma, and the entitlement to service connection for various disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for a respiratory disability, headaches, and low back disability have been denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or direct service connection. The Board acknowledges the Veteran's assertions regarding exposure to environmental hazards during his military service but finds that such exposures do not support service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed disabilities were not incurred or aggravated by service and denied his claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to a hearing request and other procedural issues.

The Board has determined that a new examination and opinion are necessary to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claim for service connection for TBI. The case is therefore being remanded.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for earlier effective dates for his service-connected headaches and cervical spine degenerative disc disease ratings.,The Court remanded the issue of TDIU due to the failure to consider whether the appellant is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as a result of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board finds that the Veteran's low back disorder and headache disorder are related to his service, with reasonable doubt resolved in favor of a connection. The claims for service connection are granted.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at a 10 percent evaluation, effective from the date of service connection (June 13, 2008).

The Veteran's original claim for PTSD was received on August 5, 2009. The Board denied an earlier effective date.,An effective date of March 7, 2003 is granted for the addition of the Veteran's spouse as a dependent.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected headache disability and its impact on his ability to secure and follow substantially gainful employment. The case will be further adjudicated after this additional development.

The Board found that the reduction of the Veteran's disability rating for chronic fatigue syndrome as due to an undiagnosed illness with migraine headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, and fibromyalgia from 100% to 60% was not proper. The reduction of her low back disability rating from 20% to 10% was found to be proper.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood associated with his service-connected post traumatic lumbosacral strain disability is productive of occupational and social impairment, warranting a 50 percent rating.

The Board has found that the Veteran's cervical spine disability is etiologically related to his active service and granted service connection for this condition. The issue of service connection for migraines remains pending as it was remanded by the Board.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for tension headaches prior to November 3, 2011 was denied. The Board found that the Veteran had characteristic prostrating attacks occurring on an average once a month over the last several months, warranting a 30 percent evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for migraine and COPD with a right upper lobe granuloma, finding that both conditions originated during active service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's residuals of a right knee injury, tinnitus, and cervical spine disability. The claim for migraines is denied as there is no evidence linking them to active service.