Migraines & headaches decisions — 2017

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues related to various conditions and service connection claims. The case is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and ensuring all relevant VA treatment records are associated with the file.

The Board found that the Veteran's current migraine headaches are different from the in-service headaches and there is no showing of post-service continuity of the same symptoms. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's migraines are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for headaches, tinnitus, and erectile dysfunction were denied as they are not related to service or a service-connected disability.,Service connection was denied for the lumbar spine disability due to lack of evidence showing aggravation during service. The reopened claim was also denied because there is no indication that the current condition is related to service or a service-connected disability.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability claim was denied as there is no indication in the record that it is related to service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's DM was not shown during service or within one year of separation, and there is no evidence linking it to service. The right ankle disorder was not found on examination. The left hip disability and headache were also not found.,DM: Service connection denied as the condition was not present during service and cannot be presumed due to its onset more than a year after service. Right Ankle Disorder: No current disability found, no evidence of inservice injury or disease. Left Hip Disability: No current disability found, no evidence of inservice injury or disease. Headache: Service connection denied as there is no evidence linking the condition to service.

The Veteran's appeal was denied across multiple issues, including PTSD, cervical spine disability, right and left knee disabilities, thoracolumbar spine disability, tinnitus (hearing loss), right hand 5th metacarpal fracture, right foot heel spur, scars of the hands and knees, dermatitis of the feet, and tension headaches. The appeal was not about service connection for any conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a headache disorder is denied as there is no evidence of an in-service injury or illness that caused the current condition.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a vision disorder is denied as there is no evidence linking his current vision disorder to his active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current seizure disorder is related to his active duty service, but he does not have a currently diagnosed organic brain disease. The claim for residuals of a head injury, other than a seizure disorder and to include organic brain disease and headaches, has been denied as there is no evidence showing it was caused or aggravated by service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's conversion disorder with associated essential tremor, headaches, and nervousness is currently rated at 50 percent disabling. The right spontaneous pneumothorax does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. The Board has granted TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Board has dismissed the appeals of service connection for the right elbow and increased ratings for the neck. The Veteran's appeal of hearing loss is denied as his puretone thresholds do not meet VA criteria for a disability. The claims for increased ratings for the right shoulder and feet, as well as sinusitis with headaches, are remanded due to lack of proper procedural steps.

The Board has found that the Veteran's sleep apnea is causally related to his military service and granted service connection for this condition. The issue of entitlement to service connection for a headache disability remains pending.

The Board has determined that there are missing private and VA outpatient treatment records pertinent to the Veteran's claims. The case is REMANDED for obtaining these records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the current severity of his right knee disability.

The Board found that the Appellant submitted a timely Notice of Disagreement (NOD) with respect to the October 26, 2010 decision denying his claims for nonservice-connected pension, service connection for a sinus condition, and service connection for migraine headaches. The appeal is granted in part.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted since December 20, 2012. The Board finds that the Veteran has been precluded from securing and following substantially gainful employment as a result of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's headaches are the consequence of a preexisting sinus condition that increased in severity beyond its natural progression during active duty service, and thus service connection for headaches is granted.

The Veteran's left foot metatarsalgia and plantar fasciitis, obstructive sleep apnea, hand tremors, headaches, extreme fatigue, and hiatal hernia are all found to be related to service. The Veteran is granted service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to issues concerning his TBI residuals and acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and mood disorder. The case is now pending further development and action.

The Veteran's headaches are found to be related to his service, and the claim is granted. The low back disability and lower extremity neurological disability claims are remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a hearing before a Decision Review Officer at the RO to address his claims of increased rating for nasal septal deviation and entitlement to TDIU.