Migraines & headaches decisions — 2016

The Veteran's headache disorder, including migraines, began in service and has continued since then. The Board finds that the Veteran's claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's neck injury and headaches did not have their onset in service or within a year of discharge, and there is no credible evidence linking these conditions to military service.,There is insufficient evidence to establish a link between any diagnosed psychiatric disorder and military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (mood disorder, lumbosacral strain, migraines, hepatitis C, right and left foot bunions, and pes planus) do not prevent her from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied entitlement to referral for extraschedular consideration of the ratings assigned to the Veteran's service-connected degenerative changes of the cervical spine prior to June 12, 2008.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current migraine headaches are related to his in-service injury and service.

The Veteran's claim for total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted, effective from July 23, 2008. The combined rating of his service-connected conditions allows him to qualify for TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's neck injury and headaches did not have their onset in service or within a year of discharge, and there is no credible evidence linking these conditions to military service.,There is insufficient evidence to establish a link between any diagnosed psychiatric disorder and military service.

The Veteran's chronic sinusitis with headaches warrants a rating of 50 percent, the highest available under Diagnostic Code 8100 for migraine headaches. The Veteran does not meet criteria for higher ratings based on other diagnostic codes.

The Veteran is precluded from substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities, and the Board finds that he meets the criteria for a TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and providing the Veteran's appointed representative an opportunity to review her claims folder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have residuals of a stroke, an immune system disorder manifested by skin rash and allergies, or a TBI. The headaches are also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his inability to attend the scheduled hearing. A new hearing opportunity should be scheduled for him.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination and a need for further development regarding the Veteran's claimed headaches.