Migraines & headaches decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and opinions are insufficient to determine if the Veteran's migraines are caused by his optic neuritis, atrophy due to MS, or related to his service-connected condition. The case is being remanded for further examination and opinion from a VA ophthalmologist and neurologist.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for chronic rhinitis with recurrent sinusitis is denied. From September 1, 2013, but not before, the Veteran is granted a TDIU based on her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as pain disorder, is granted. Right ear hearing loss is also granted. However, left ear hearing loss and hyperlipidemia are denied.

The Veteran's headaches have been rated at a 30% since June 16, 2009. The VA has granted an increased rating for his service-connected headaches.

The Veteran's service-connected migraines have been rated at 10 percent, and the Board found that he does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to his headaches being less frequent than required by the rating criteria.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of any of the claimed conditions and has not had diagnoses at any time during the pendency of the claim or recent to the filing of the claim. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection. The issue of service connection for forgetfulness has been withdrawn by the Veteran. The issues of service connection for traumatic brain injury and seizures are remanded due to lack of a medical opinion.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations provided for headaches and GERD were insufficient to decide the Veteran's claims. The Board has therefore ordered remand of these issues.

The Veteran's migraine headaches resulted in frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability, warranting a 50% disability rating.

The Veteran withdrew their appeals for higher disability ratings in multiple conditions, including lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, obstructive sleep apnea, migraine headaches, and posttraumatic stress disorder with alcohol use disorder. As a result, the appeals are dismissed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions due to incomplete records and verification of his military service.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10% for residuals of encephalopathy is denied. The Board found that the condition is inactive and does not warrant an increase.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals regarding service connection for a bilateral knee condition, back condition, and headaches. The claim for right ear hearing loss is denied as there is no current evidence of hearing loss meeting VA criteria. The claim for left ear hearing loss remains noncompensable.

The Board has denied requests for earlier effective dates for the awards of service connection for IBS, seborrheic dermatitis / tinea versicolor, and tension headaches. The earliest claims were received on July 15, 2013.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted. Diabetes mellitus, left ear hearing loss, and a disability manifested by head pain and bruxism are now considered service-connected. Migraine headaches were denied.

The Veteran's initial rating for right macular microhole with headaches is being remanded due to possible worsening of symptoms.

The Board has granted a 30% evaluation for migraines and dismissed the TDIU appeal. The OSA claim is remanded due to insufficient opinion regarding aggravation by service-connected sinusitis.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection of low back pain, bilateral hearing loss, and migraine headaches.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for allergic rhinitis, benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), and migraine headaches have been dismissed. The claim of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea has been denied. A 50 percent disability rating is granted for the service-connected migraine headaches.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further examination and opinion regarding service connection for migraine headaches, a seizure disorder, and an increased rating for TBI. The Veteran's claims are being returned due to incomplete information from previous examinations.