Migraines & headaches decisions — 2017

The Board found that the Veteran's migraine headaches, sleep apnea, and asthma were not incurred in or related to active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for migraine headaches. The Veteran's current migraine headaches are found to be etiologically related to her military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development due to conflicting information in the record regarding the nature and severity of the Veteran's headaches. The Veteran will need to undergo a VA examination to assess his headache condition, and all subsequent VA treatment records should be associated with the claims file.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for sleep apnea and increased rating for hypertension have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew these claims prior to their adjudication.

The Veteran's service-connected major depression disorder has been granted a 30 percent rating, effective October 29, 2011.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to evaluate the Veteran's service-connected conditions, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling new examinations. The case will be returned for further adjudication.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal on the issues of entitlement to service connection for headaches, right ankle disability, and left ankle disability.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an adequate opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's migraine headaches and to ensure all relevant medical records are associated with his claims file.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance of another person or by reason of being housebound, as he is able to perform most daily activities with assistance when needed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for left lingual nerve damage and a disability rating in excess of 30 percent for tension headaches.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches and alcohol abuse are currently pending, but the Board is unable to determine their status due to insufficient information. The appeal regarding PTSD remains under review.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of a current disability or a relationship between the claimed conditions and service.

The Board denied increased ratings for the appellant's tension headaches, finding that they did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent from January 23, 2007, to July 8, 2013, and denied a rating in excess of 30 percent from July 8, 2013.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic sinus condition or headaches during service, and the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service. The VA examiner opined that any current sinus condition is less likely than not caused by service.

The Veteran's migraine headaches have been rated at 50% since April 17, 2013. Effective January 20, 2017, the Veteran is also granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the appellant is not entitled to VA death pension benefits as a helpless child of the Veteran due to her ability to support herself after reaching 18 years old.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for migraines prior to November 5, 2016, and a rating in excess of 30 percent from that date have been denied. The Board found the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable or higher rating at any point.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, notably his TBI residuals, have manifested in loss of use of both feet. The Board finds that the evidence is at least in relative equipoise as to whether he meets the criteria for an automobile and adaptive equipment or for adaptive equipment only.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are currently rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 8100. The Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability for VA compensation purposes.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at a maximum of 50 percent, but no higher, due to their frequent and severe impact on his ability to work.