Migraines & headaches decisions — 2018

The Veteran's back disability is granted service connection. The initial rating for right shoulder labral tear prior to February 15, 2018, and the rating in excess of 20 percent after that date are both granted. Service connection for headaches is also granted.

An evaluation of 50 percent for migraine headaches is granted, but not in excess. The Veteran's tinnitus secondary to his service-connected migraines and TDIU are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for fatigue and headaches, as well as the issue of a higher disability rating for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's claims will be reviewed again with additional evidence considered.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and examination, including obtaining medical records and providing a VA examination by a Neurologist and an environmental hazards specialist.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate opinions and potential need for additional examinations. The issues of service connection for a cervical spine disability, headaches, and TDIU are being reviewed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on loss of use of both lower extremities as defined by VA regulations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on loss of use of both lower extremities as defined by VA regulations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings on multiple service-connected disabilities are remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and records.

The Board has ordered the Veteran to undergo VA examinations for his service-connected depressive disorder, cervical spine disability, right shoulder disability, and headache disorder due to the lack of recent medical records and examination reports.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability due to lack of evidence showing a link between current symptoms and service. The appeal for headaches as secondary to neck disability is remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and new evidence. The issues include fibromyalgia, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and a headache disorder.

The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy is rated at a 60 percent disability rating, effective from the date of this decision. The issue of entitlement to TDIU has been remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition and migraines, including as secondary to her service-connected PTSD with MDD, is granted. The claims are remanded for additional clarification of the relationship between the Veteran's conditions and her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for residuals of cervical/thoracic sprain and migraine headaches are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and updated VA treatment records.

All issues are remanded for further development and examination. The Veteran's hypertension is being examined to determine if it is related to his service-connected psychiatric disability. His erectile dysfunction claim will be addressed as well.,The Veteran’s sleep apnea may need a more specialized examiner due to its complexity, and the relationship between his PTSD and sleep apnea needs clarification.

The Veteran's initial 10 percent evaluation for TBI is granted, effective from February 11, 2014. The evaluation for post-traumatic headaches remains at 30 percent and effective prior to July 17, 2015.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current optic disability and headaches are not related to his military service, including any exposure during the Gulf War. The conditions have been attributed to known clinical diagnoses.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40% since January 19, 2016. The issues of service connection for right jaw condition, right ankle condition, left piriformis syndrome, and cervical spine condition are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation prior to October 22, 2016.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petitions to reopen service connection for migraines, bilateral shoulder disability, and Scheuermann's disease of the thoracic spine. The petition to increase the rating for residuals of fracture left hand fifth metacarpal was denied.