Migraines & headaches decisions — 2017

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches have been granted an initial compensable rating of 30 percent, effective from the date of the decision. The right hand scar has also been increased to a 10 percent rating.

The Board has granted a 50% rating for migraine headaches, effective from November 15, 2011. The Veteran is also found to be unemployable due to service-connected disabilities and thus entitled to a TDIU.

The Veteran's headaches were not productive of disability equivalent to very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability prior to March 30, 2017.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tension headaches are proximately due to or the result of his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's migraines are currently rated at 50 percent disabling, the maximum rating allowed under DC 8100. A TDIU is granted due to her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's migraines are related to her active duty service and she is granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, bilateral shoulder pain, and severe headaches. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran was found to be substantially employed during the period from September 11, 2007, to June 9, 2008. Therefore, his claim for TDIU is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining records of non-VA treatment and arranging for a neurological examination in Bahrain or upon return to the United States.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and SSA records, conducting a VA examination, and assessing his functional limitations due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 50 percent for the Veteran's headache disorder, finding that the schedular criteria adequately addressed his symptoms.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were granted, with the exception of a few issues. The Board found that the Veteran had current diagnoses and credible evidence supporting his reported stressors related to combat experience in Vietnam. Service connection was established for PTSD based on exposure to hostile military activity.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate reasons or bases in its decision and failure to ensure substantial compliance with previous remand directives.

The Veteran's service connection for a headache disorder and patellofemoral syndrome of the right and left knees has been granted. The Veteran is currently rated at 10 percent for each knee, with no higher ratings due to limitations in range of motion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a headache disability, bruxism, and PTSD have been reopened. Service connection has been granted for these conditions. However, the Veteran did not receive compensable ratings for his bilateral hearing loss or skin scars, nor was he awarded an increased rating for his PTSD prior to August 18, 2015.

The Veteran's Parkinson's disease, diabetes mellitus type II, CAD, and soft tissue sarcomas of the lung and right upper extremity/right shoulder are presumed to be due to herbicide exposure. The Veteran also has chronic kidney disease and diabetic neuropathy that are related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.,The Veteran's GERD, headaches, psychiatric disorder (depression), hypertension, arthritis, erectile dysfunction, brittle nails, and syphilis are not presumed to be due to herbicide exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a TBI and/or residuals thereof, to include a headache disorder, or left ankle or back disorders. The claims are denied.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for service connection of anatomical loss of vision. The claim for increased rating of migraine headaches and PTSD with major depressive disorder is also denied, but the Veteran is granted TDIU status.

The Board denied attorney fees for past-due benefits resulting from the December 2013 rating decision awarding service connection for Traumatic Brain Injury with Post Concussive Headaches.

The Veteran's attorney has withdrawn all pending claims on appeal due to the dismissal of the case.