Migraines & headaches decisions — 2017

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for blackouts/syncope, headaches, and anxiety disorder as they are not attributable to disease or injury sustained during his period of service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's tinnitus is more likely related to post-service noise exposure and not due to his military service. The claims for headaches and bilateral hearing loss were denied as there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tension headaches, seizure disorder, cervical spine disability, and right shoulder disability are all related to his active duty service. The claims for these conditions have been granted.

The Board found service connection for bipolar disorder granted, but denied service connection for headaches or residuals of a head injury.,For the right wrist and carpal tunnel syndrome issues, the Veteran's current ratings were upheld.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left shoulder, neck, and upper extremity disabilities are not related to service. The Veteran's pre-existing condition did not worsen during service.

The Board has granted service connection for a headache disorder and major depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his active service.

The Veteran's heart disability, headaches, fatigue, and joint and muscle pain are all found to be related to service. The initial rating for PTSD is also granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation and he had been substantially and gainfully employed for at least twelve months, with only temporary interruptions. Therefore, his TDIU benefits were properly discontinued as of October 1, 2014.

The Board's decision was vacated by the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, and thus the motion to revise or reverse is dismissed.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for a scar on the right axilla and tension headaches have been withdrawn.

The Board's decision was vacated by the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, and thus the motion to revise or reverse is dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for service-connected hypertension with headaches has been denied as the evidence does not show diastolic pressure predominantly 120 or more, which is required for a higher evaluation under Diagnostic Code 7101.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea, hypertension, COPD, and headache disorder are not service-connected as they did not develop during his military service or are otherwise related to his military service.

The Veteran's low back disability has been granted an initial evaluation of 20 percent, effective from November 13, 2012. The issues regarding headaches, neck disorder, right shoulder disability, and sinusitis have also been granted service connection based on secondary to a pre-existing condition (depressive disorder).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's migraines existed prior to her second period of service and were aggravated during this period. Service connection for migraines is granted. The issue of service connection for hypertension, secondary to a service-connected psychiatric disability, remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's residuals of a traumatic brain injury, including headaches, are at least as likely as not incurred in service due to exposure to explosions and IEDs while serving in Iraq. The claim is therefore granted.

The Veteran's ocular migraine syndrome is currently rated at 50 percent disabling, the maximum schedular rating available. The Board has determined that an extraschedular disability rating in excess of 50 percent is not warranted due to lack of marked interference with employment or frequent periods of hospitalization.

The Veteran's migraine headaches, diagnosed since his return from Vietnam in 1968, are considered a listed chronic condition and manifested to a compensable degree within one year of separation from service. Therefore, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension, migraine headaches, bilateral eye disability, and left knee disability are not related to service or service-connected conditions.