Migraines & headaches decisions — 2017

The Veteran's appeal involves seeking earlier effective dates for increased evaluations and service connection decisions related to PTSD and migraine headaches. The Board has decided that a hearing is needed before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA medical records, scheduling a VA examination regarding his bilateral hearing loss, bilateral knee disorder, lumbar strain, and PTSD, and updating the claims file with all relevant VA treatment records.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with psychotic features is found to be etiologically related to service.,It is at least as likely as not that the Veteran's tinnitus is caused by noise exposure in service.

The Veteran's headaches are rated at 30 percent from December 7, 2005 to February 27, 2013 and at 50 percent after February 28, 2013.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated at 10 percent prior to June 19, 2014 and increased to 30 percent effective that date. For his headaches, the Veteran received a 10 percent rating which has been maintained.

The Veteran's appeal regarding his service-connected headaches and PTSD was denied. The Board found that the current schedular ratings adequately describe his disability picture.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further evidentiary development, including obtaining SSA records and VA treatment records. A psychiatric examination is also needed to address the etiology of his claimed psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to determine the nature, onset, and etiology of any current headaches, low back disorder, bilateral leg and ankle disorder, hip disorder, and PFB.

The Board has determined that hypertension, tonsillitis, headaches, prostatitis with stricture of urethra (claimed as prostate cancer), and diabetes mellitus are related to service due to aggravation by PTSD. The Veteran's claims for these conditions have been granted.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the rating for premature ventricular complexes from 30% to 10%, effective November 21, 2012, was proper. The remaining claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected cluster headaches with transient aphasia are not found to warrant an extraschedular rating, as the assigned schedular rating adequately reflects his disability level and symptomatology.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of traumatic brain injury are currently rated as 10 percent disabling, effective December 15, 2010. The VA examiner found that the Veteran has mild headaches and dizziness due to his TBI, which do not affect his ability to work or daily activities significantly.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for sinusitis, hemorrhoids, and headaches are being remanded due to incomplete records. The VA will attempt to obtain all relevant treatment records from February 2012 onwards.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for cluster headaches, hemorrhoids, and bilateral hernia with scar status post hernia repair have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his claims during a hearing. The Board has granted a TDIU based on service-connected cluster headaches.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a current psychiatric disability, likely PTSD or another acquired psychiatric condition. Service connection is also established for sleep apnea. The claim for cluster headaches remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service-connected conditions, including cervical strain, tension headaches, right hip disability, and right hand disability. The Board has determined that additional examination and opinion are needed to address the relationship between these disabilities and active military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder arthritis, diffuse arthritis (other than right shoulder), gastrointestinal disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, and chronic headache disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of residuals of a left hand injury, sinus condition, hypertension, hepatitis C, and headaches. The claim for service connection of neck disability was granted but with mixed results (some issues were granted while others were not).

The Veteran's current headaches are related to his service-connected cervical spine strain and left shoulder degenerative joint disease, which is considered secondary service connection.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and consideration of his claims.