Migraines & headaches decisions — 2017

The Board is remanding the case to determine if the Veteran's service-connected PTSD aggravates his chronic headaches beyond their natural progression.

The Veteran's migraine headaches were manifested by very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability prior to November 1, 2016. The Veteran was granted a rating of 30 percent for this condition.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU effective April 3, 2008.,A 40 percent rating for headaches/ traumatic brain injury was granted effective April 3, 2009.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of tailbone or cyst scar residuals, and his low back and neck disabilities are service-connected. However, the claim for headaches remains pending as there is insufficient evidence to establish a nexus between the disability and service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate examination and treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable disability rating for status post left fourth finger fracture with open reduction internal fixation has been withdrawn. The remaining issues of increased ratings for back, neck, cubital tunnel syndrome, hypertension, and migraine headaches are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches due to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss has been denied. The Board found no evidence linking the current headaches to the service-connected hearing loss.

The Veteran's TBI with headaches is rated at 10 percent, and his generalized anxiety disorder is rated at 30 percent. The appeal for a higher rating for TBI with headaches was granted, while the appeals for increased ratings for both conditions and for TDIU were denied.

The Board has granted service connection for migraine headaches, right hand, 5th metacarpal condition, and back disability. The claims are based on direct service connection as the evidence is in equipoise regarding whether these conditions had their onset during military service.

The Veteran's migraines are rated at 30 percent, while his lumbosacral strain does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for migraine headaches due to new and material evidence submitted since the final July 2010 decision.,Service connection was not granted for myalgia involving both lower extremities with cramping, to include neurogenic claudication, as there is no medical evidence linking this condition to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to missing records, inadequate examinations, and the need for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA Form 21-8940 and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of his claimed headache condition. Additionally, he will be scheduled for a VA examination to evaluate the severity of his PTSD with panic disorder.

The Veteran's service connection claims for headaches, left knee injuries, and other conditions have been granted. The Veteran is also entitled to initial compensable disability ratings for his right elbow, left foot gout, and plantar fasciitis.

The Veteran's disability ratings were reduced from 40 percent to 10 percent for lumbosacral paravertebral myositis, effective June 1, 2011. The reduction was found to be proper as there had been no actual improvement in the Veteran's condition.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disorder, and as such, the claim is granted.,Service connection is also granted for headaches.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and the obtaining of treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinea pedis has been denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition. The Board also found that his anxiety disability, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and lumbosacral strain have not met or approximated the criteria for higher ratings.

The Veteran's hypertension and migraine headaches have been rated as noncompensable, with no compensable rating for the service-connected bilateral ocular hypertension. The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The case is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated treatment records and providing a VA examination to assess the Veteran's ability to work due to his service-connected disabilities. The AOJ will also consider private treatment records and other evidence.