Migraines & headaches decisions — 2017

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including migraine headaches, left knee disability, right knee disability, low back disability, sciatic nerve disability, and depressive disorder, are not related to service. The preponderance of evidence did not support a finding of service connection for any of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's coronary artery disease did not begin in service and is otherwise unrelated to any events or illnesses during his military service. The claim for migraine headaches will be remanded as the Veteran has not been furnished a Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's service-connected headaches have been rated at the highest schedular rating available (50%) since July 18, 2011. The Veteran is entitled to a separate rating for memory loss, depression, anger, and social withdrawal as manifestations of his service-connected headaches.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to determine whether his headaches are prostrating and if so, whether he is entitled to a separate rating under DC 8100.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are currently rated at 30 percent, but the Board has determined that a higher 50 percent rating is warranted based on very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability. The initial increased rating for left knee strain remains under review.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's reported head symptoms are residuals from his documented head injury during service. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a respiratory disability and headaches, both as secondary to Agent Orange exposure. The claims are being remanded for additional development including VA examinations.

The Veteran is entitled to a rating of 30 percent for tension headaches, effective from April 13, 2012.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50% prior to January 14, 2014 and his GERD with IBS is rated at 10% since November 4, 2013. Both conditions meet the criteria for their respective ratings.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA neurologist regarding the Veteran's seizure disorder claim.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection on all issues related to her cervical strain, migraine headaches, depressive disorder, bilateral trigeminal nerve disorder, otalgia with dizziness and blurred vision, and scar, residual of trigeminal nerve injury are denied. The disabilities were granted effective from November 21, 2011.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for various conditions, including a headache disorder and PTSD, was reopened. The Board found that new evidence supported the reopening of these claims.

The Veteran's service-connected TBI warrants a 30 percent rating, effective June 24, 2013. The Veteran has been diagnosed with migraines that cause characteristic prostrating attacks occurring more frequently than once per month.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, and that the current 40 percent disability rating for post-concussive syndrome was appropriate.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a neurological examination.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50 percent, effective from the date of this decision. The left ankle scar is rated at 10 percent prior to April 30, 2010 and 10 percent as of that date.

The Veteran seeks service connection for migraine headaches, which he claims are related to his service-connected hypertension. The Board has remanded the case for further development and an examination.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for headaches and hypertension, including obtaining VA treatment records from 2002 to present and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and thus the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for various conditions, including a left knee disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than depression (PTSD), has been granted. The effective date of the grant is not specified.