Migraines & headaches decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches are rated at 50% throughout the appeal period, as they meet the criteria for very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.

The Veteran's TBI and migraine headaches have been rated at the lowest possible level, with no higher ratings granted due to overlap with service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a headache disorder, diagnosed as analgesic overuse rebound headaches, has been granted. The claims of increased disability ratings for bursitis of the left hip and hypertension with nephrolithiasis, as well as service connection for a right wrist disorder and sleep apnea have been remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to obtain missing service records and VA treatment records, as well as to conduct further examinations. The Veteran's claims will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for migraine headaches and left ear hearing loss have been denied as the evidence does not meet the schedular criteria.

The Veteran's non-service-connected disabilities are of sufficient severity to permanently preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment, and the Board finds he is entitled to non-service-connected disability pension benefits.

The Board has granted service connection for headaches and has reopened the claims of service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, back pain, neck pain, bilateral knee pain, alopecia areata, and hearing loss on a new and material basis. The Veteran's CFS claim is denied as there is no evidence of a qualifying chronic disability.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the ratings and reduction questions for PTSD with bipolar disorder, TBI, migraine headaches, and mechanical lower back strain.

The Veteran's claims for headaches and TBI were denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. The claim for PTSD with MDD was also denied, but only prior to December 20, 2013; from that date onwards, he received ratings in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50 percent, and she is granted a TDIU based on her service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction and tension headaches were not incurred during active duty or related to his service-connected residuals of nasopharyngeal lymphoepithelioma radiation and chemotherapy. The claims are therefore denied.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for migraine headaches has been dismissed as she withdrew her appeal regarding this issue.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied. The Board found that the September 2008 rating decision denying service connection for bilateral hearing loss is final, and no new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen this claim.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral foot condition, menstruation disability including amenorrhea, obesity, and headache disability due to inadequate medical opinions provided in the July 2017 VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for tension headaches, finding no evidence of a chronic condition during or within one year after service.,The Board also denied service connection for a right shoulder disorder, concluding that the current diagnosis is not related to service and more likely due to post-service aggravation.

The Veteran's initial rating for headaches was denied as his condition did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating. The lung condition issue is remanded due to inadequate examination.

The Board has granted service connection for OSA and headaches secondary to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD, tinnitus, and OSA. However, the claim for service connection for an aneurysm is denied as there is no in-service incurrence or nexus.,For the entirety of the appeal period, the criteria for a compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss are not met.,The Veteran's PTSD results in symptoms causing occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50% disability rating.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection of a lumbar spine disorder with radiculopathy, tinea cruris (jock itch), fungus of both feet, and headaches. The preponderance of the evidence does not show these conditions are related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current headache disorder did not begin during or as a result of his military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's GERD has been rated at 60 percent since September 9, 2017. Her migraine headaches are currently rated at 30 percent.,The right knee arthroscopy and TDIU issues remain pending.