Migraines & headaches decisions — 2017

The Board has found that more development is necessary prior to final adjudication of the claims on appeal, including VA examinations for the Veteran's lumbar spine and headache disabilities. The case is REMANDED for these purposes.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim for obstructive sleep apnea disability. The Veteran's right ankle disability is denied as service connection cannot be established due to lack of in-service manifestation or link between current disability and service. Service connection for chronic headache disability remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn for the issues of entitlement to service connection for headaches and bilateral hearing loss. The Board finds that the Veteran has tinnitus that had its onset during his period of service, warranting service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected migraines have been rated at 30 percent since August 8, 2011. From July 1, 2013 onwards, the disability has caused severe economic inadaptability and warrants a 50 percent rating.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for headaches has been granted, with the highest available rating of 50 percent effective from July 2006. The remaining claims are being remanded for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability is etiologically related to service, granting her claim for service connection.

The Board has granted a 50 percent disability rating for migraines from April 16, 2008 to February 26, 2016. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is also remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have rendered him unable to secure or maintain gainful employment since October 9, 2015. The TDIU is granted from that date.

The Veteran was granted service connection for the residuals of a left biceps injury, including reduced muscle strength. He is also granted a higher rating for his headaches starting from June 15, 2010.,A separate 10 percent rating is assigned for occasional dizziness related to his headaches.

The Veteran's symptoms of dizziness, headaches, and leg spasms have not been diagnosed as a chronic disability. The Board finds no evidence to support service connection on direct or presumptive basis.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for migraine headaches and right knee disability, as well as his claim for service connection for residuals of traumatic brain injury, are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran is granted a 50 percent rating for migraine headaches from May 5, 2009 and TDIU from October 17, 2002.,The Veteran's service-connected back, knee, and migraine headaches have rendered him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's migraine headaches are not related to service or her service-connected sinusitis and/or allergic rhinitis disabilities, and thus denied her claim for service connection. The issue of increased rating for fibromyalgia with irritable bowel syndrome remains pending.

The Veteran's current headache disability is found to have begun during or was caused by his active duty service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA medical review of the file and opinions addressing specific questions regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Board videoconference hearing. The issues include seeking higher ratings for low back strain, service connection for PTSD and migraines, left knee disability, and residuals of wrist fracture.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address his claims of entitlement to service connection for migraine headaches and an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent prior to June 15, 2012 and 30 percent from that date for adjustment disorder with depressed mood.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and to address his claims for increased ratings and an earlier effective date. The case will be returned to the Board after these actions are completed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including scheduling a VA examination and readjudication of his claims.