Migraines & headaches decisions — 2017

The Veteran's hypertension has been rated as 10 percent since the appeal period began, and a higher rating is not warranted.,Effective March 3, 2016, the Veteran is entitled to a 20 percent rating for her cervical spine disorder due to worsening symptoms. She does not meet criteria for a higher rating based on ankylosis or favorable ankyloses of the entire cervical spine.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety with depression and cannabis abuse disorder, is found to be etiologically related to his active service.,Service connection for migraine headaches has been established as the Veteran first experienced these symptoms during his period of active duty.

The Veteran's migraine headaches have been rated at 50 percent for the period starting September 3, 2014. The previous ratings of 10 and 30 percent were granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for residuals of a fracture of the right great toe and right ankle disorder, as well as his claim for service connection for headaches (residuals of head injury) were denied. The Board found no evidence of current disabilities related to these conditions.

The Veteran's headaches are not manifested by characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one in two months over the last several months, and thus do not warrant a compensable disability rating.,The Veteran's hypertension is not manifested by diastolic pressure predominantly 110 or more or systolic pressure predominantly 200 or more, and thus does not warrant an increased disability rating beyond 10 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected post-traumatic vascular migrainous headaches, type 3, with prostration are currently rated at 50 percent from May 12, 2016. The Board finds that the symptoms have been very frequent and productive of severe economic inadaptability since January 29, 2013.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and residuals of a varicocelectomy of the left testicle was denied. The current evaluations for these conditions are consistent with the evidence presented.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches are rated at 50 percent, and his neck scar is rated at 0 percent. The decision on the TDIU claim is mixed as he meets the percentage requirements for a schedular TDIU but not prior to October 10, 2014.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as his claimed conditions are not related to his in-service exposure to ionizing radiation.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, peripheral vascular disease of both lower extremities, sinus disorder (allergic rhinitis), asthma, arthritis, intestinal tumors, GERD, atrial fibrillation, hypertension, diabetic neuropathy in all four extremities, migraine headaches, and disability manifested by night sweats are not service connected due to lack of evidence supporting their onset or etiology related to military service.,The Veteran's skin disorders (claimed as acne and skin growths) are service-connected.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not related to service and denied all claims for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete medical records and the need for addendum opinions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records and to schedule her for appropriate VA examinations. The claims will be reconsidered based on the new evidence and examination results.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms are rated at the maximum schedular rating of 70 percent, and he is granted a separate compensable disability rating for TBI. The hearing loss in the left ear has been service-connected, and his migraine headaches have also received an increased rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's headache disorder is related to his service-connected adjustment disorder with anxiety or color blindness.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to inadequate VA examination opinions and the need for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including scheduling a neurological examination. The AOJ must address whether the Veteran still has service-connected residuals of hemiplegia, aphasia, and dementia.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including TBI, headaches, sleep apnea, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, tremors of the hands, a mid-and-low back disorder, bilateral knee disorders, and bilateral ankle disorders have been denied. The Board found no current diagnosis of TBI or other claimed disabilities.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a higher initial rating for migraines before the Board could make a decision.