Migraines & headaches decisions — 2018

The Veteran's ratings for spondylolisthesis and muscle tension headaches were improperly reduced, and the original ratings are restored.

The Veteran's left foot disability, migraine headaches, PTSD, GAD, acid reflux, penile deformity with erectile dysfunction, PFB, scar of the dorsal surface of the left foot, and painful scar of the left foot are all service connected. The Veteran is granted an initial rating of at least 30 percent for his migraine headaches.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD effective July 19, 2012. The Veteran's informal claim for PTSD was filed within the first post-service year and his headaches were related to PTSD. The earlier effective date of March 1, 2008 is granted as it aligns with the Veteran's discharge from active service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (PTSD, TBI, and post-concussion headaches) preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment due to his PTSD alone.

The Veteran's right shoulder arthroplasty with scars is currently rated at 60 percent, which reflects severe painful motion and weakness. The Board finds no basis to grant a higher rating as the current rating adequately accounts for his symptoms.

The Veteran's laceration scars of the left cheek and left ear do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 7800. The Veteran's service-connected TBI with headaches, subjective symptoms of light and sound sensitivity, and intermittent dizziness is rated at 10 percent.

The Board has remanded several service connection claims due to the need for additional VA examinations and treatment records. The Veteran's petition to reopen a previously denied claim of acquired psychiatric disorder, as well as his claim of headaches, are also on appeal.

The Veteran's post-concussion headaches are rated as 50 percent disabling, resolving a reasonable doubt in his favor. The TBI claim is remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to an incomplete medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's migraine headaches first became manifest during active duty in the U.S. Navy, specifically after a personal assault.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a VA examination.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims, including VA treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records.

The Board has remanded the claims for left hand, right hand, low back, left leg, right leg, bilateral hearing loss, COPD, sleep apnea, residuals of head trauma, and headache disorder as well as the psychiatric disorders. The VA will obtain all outstanding VA treatment records and provide a VA psychiatric examination to determine if any current psychiatric disorders are related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for neck arthritis. The issues of bilateral hip pain, knee pain, ankle pain, and headaches secondary to neck arthritis are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraine headaches was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The Veteran is now granted a rating of 70 percent for PTSD.,PTSD has been rated at 70 percent, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU have been remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions. The current evaluations for his service-connected disabilities remain unchanged.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's tinnitus is service connected. The issues of PTSD based on military sexual trauma, an acquired psychiatric disorder including anxiety, depression, nervousness, and sleep disturbances, and migraines or tension headaches as secondary to an acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded for further action.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability, migraine headaches, and seizure disorder. The evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and headaches, including as secondary to PTSD. The claims are remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, but the issues of service connection for a shoulder condition, residuals of a back injury, bilateral hearing loss, disability manifested by earaches, tinnitus, and headaches are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a stroke, cervical spine disorder, right arm disorder, traumatic brain injury (TBI), headaches, and cognitive impairment/memory loss due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.