Migraines & headaches decisions — 2016

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records, including hospitalization records and VA treatment records. The AOJ will readjudicate these issues with consideration of all evidence.

The Veteran's claims of higher initial ratings for service-connected migraine headaches and adjustment disorder with depressed mood are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD was withdrawn during his June 2015 Board hearing. The claim for service connection for headaches has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence.,Service connection is granted for headaches, as there is an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence indicating that the Veteran's current headache disorder may be related to events in service.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings on multiple conditions have been dismissed as the Veteran has withdrawn his appeal.

The Board has ordered a remand for the Veteran to be provided with comprehensive VA examinations to address the etiology of his claimed low back and migraine headache disabilities. The claims will be re-adjudicated following this development.

The Board found that the Veteran's right ankle, back, headaches, and tinnitus disabilities were not incurred or aggravated by service. The right hip disability was also denied as there is no evidence of ankylosis or malunion.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination to evaluate the current manifestations and severity of the Veteran's service-connected tension headaches without the use of medication.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a left arm disorder related to service, including his service-connected spinal stenosis. The claim for headaches is denied as well.

The Board has granted service connection for headaches, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis of headaches is related to his military service. The other issues remain pending and will be addressed in a separate remand.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the Veteran's service treatment records, as well as private medical records. The claims will be remanded for these purposes.

The Board found that the Veteran's sinusitis with sinus headaches has shown material improvement since a 30% rating was granted in 2001, and thus reduction from a 30% to a noncompensable (0%) rating for sinusitis with sinus headaches was proper.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a chronic headache disorder have been denied as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for migraine headaches, a skin condition, a stomach ulcer, and GERD as secondary to PTSD have been denied. The evidence does not support the presence of these conditions during or after military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection, increased ratings, and incompetent cervix are being remanded due to the need for additional development of her claims file.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches, heart disability, psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), cervical spine disability, thoracolumbar spine disability, left knee disability, and skin disability are found to be secondary to his service-connected right knee disability. The Veteran is granted service connection for these conditions on a secondary basis.

The Board has granted service connection for headaches, allergies, and a low back disability. The Veteran's gynecological problems, joint pain, and dental condition are not currently addressed as they require further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations are granted. Service connection is established for hand tremors, bilateral wrist disability, reactive arthritis with sacroiliitis residuals, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and right shoulder inferior labral tear with acromioclavicular degenerative joint disease. Increased evaluations are assigned.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from substantially gainful employment, and therefore the criteria for a TDIU have not been met.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the AOJ for additional development of evidence related to his claims, including review of SSA records and VA DBQs. The case will then be returned to the Board if necessary.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic prostrating headaches was received on August 11, 2008. The effective date of the grant of service connection is therefore set to this date.