Migraines & headaches decisions — 2018

The Board denied service connection for a right shoulder disability and headaches, but granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. The issues of left and right lower extremity radiculopathy are also remanded.,Service connection was not granted for head trauma or headaches as secondary to head trauma.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected due to exposure to noise during military service.,There is no evidence of a current diagnosis or in-service occurrence of loss of sense of smell, thus the claim for this condition is denied.,Headaches with amnesia are not service-connected because there is insufficient evidence linking these symptoms to service.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for her low back disability is denied. The Board found that the objective medical findings did not support a higher rating, despite the Veteran's reported symptoms and functional limitations. Her claim for TDIU was granted as she met the schedular requirements and had service-connected disabilities rated at least 60% combined.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at a 30 percent effective from July 1, 2014. The Board found that the Veteran experienced prostrating attacks occurring more than monthly and were prolonged, warranting a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete service records and the need for additional examinations. The Veteran's allegations of military sexual trauma (MST) and racism are being considered, as is his claim for migraine headaches secondary to an acquired psychiatric disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for migraines, recurring syncope, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including major depression, bipolar disorder, and schizoaffective disorder) due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to her active duty service.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a TBI examination. The issues of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 40 percent for post-concussive syndrome with dizziness and headaches (claimed as traumatic brain injury) and total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities are also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for chronic bacterial prostatitis was granted, with a 20 percent disability rating effective from November 13, 2014. The claim for tension headaches was also granted, but only at the initial 10 percent level. The claim for rosacea is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including headaches, left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, cervical spine degenerative joint disease, left clavicle fracture, left patellofemoral syndrome, and left foot Charcot joint, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted entitlement to total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability (TDIU).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including chronic rhinosinusitis, perirectal abscess, dizziness, headaches, left ear hearing loss, and scar on the right knee, preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a positive PPD test was dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of the appeal. The Board also remanded cases regarding service connection for sleep apnea, headache disability (migraines and cluster headaches), and TDIU.

The Veteran's cognitive disorder, panic disorder with agoraphobia, and intermittent explosive disorder have been granted service connection. The Veteran also has current diagnoses for a skin condition and psychiatric disorders (including psychosis and temperament issues).

The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches has been reopened, and the Board finds that his headaches are at least as likely as not caused or worsened by his service-connected disabilities. The Veteran is also granted an initial rating of 70 percent for PTSD, effective December 2, 2014.

The Board found no evidence of service connection for the claimed conditions and denied all issues on appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for bronchitis, finding that the Veteran's current condition is at least as likely as not related to his in-service respiratory issues and smoking. The other claims are denied.

The Veteran's migraine headaches have been rated at 50 percent since January 16, 2008, due to frequent completely prostrating attacks. The Veteran's chronic cholecystitis has also been rated at 50 percent since the same effective date.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining VA examinations to determine the etiology of his sinus allergies, headaches, and sleep apnea. The TDIU claim is also remanded due to its inextricability with the service connection issues.

The Veteran's initial rating for headaches prior to September 2017 is granted at a 10 percent disability rating. The appeal for an increased rating after September 2017 is denied, as the evidence does not show very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability. TDIU is also denied.

The Veteran's claims for hypertension, contact dermatitis, TBI residuals, gastrointestinal disorder, PTSD, shoulder disorders, hemorrhoids, cervical spine disability, migraine headaches, vision loss, testosterone imbalance, wrist and hand disorders, hip disorders, and insomnia are all remanded. Additionally, his claim for an increased rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities, a residual head injury scar, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss is also remanded. His TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including hypertension, contact dermatitis, TBI, and gastrointestinal disorders. The Veteran also had his TDIU claim remanded.