Migraines & headaches decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for memory loss and entitlement to TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran needs to provide updated VA treatment records, obtain Vet Center records, and complete a form from her former employer. A VA examination is needed to assess the nature of any disability manifested by memory loss and its relationship to service or service-connected tension headaches.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, Migraine Headaches, and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and arranging for new VA examinations to determine the nature and likely etiology of her migraines, acquired psychiatric disorder, and right hip chronic strain.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, with the exception of his right ankle and left ankle disabilities. The Board found that the Veteran has credible reports of continuous headaches since service, which are related to an in-service injury while playing softball. Service connection is also established for migraines (headaches), low back disability, cervical spine disability, and paresthesia of the right upper extremity.

The Board denied service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, obstructive sleep apnea, and migraine and tension headaches. The Veteran's PTSD claim was not addressed as it did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 70 percent.

The Board has found that the Veteran's right shoulder condition, which was documented in service as inflammation of tendons, is not related to his active service. The Veteran did not seek treatment for this condition until over two decades after separation from service. As such, the claim for service connection for a right shoulder disability is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for migraine headaches and a pelvic disability, including dyspareunia and pelvic pain. The left side sacrum disability is being remanded due to an inextricably intertwined issue of hip disability.

The Board has granted service connection for various conditions, including lumbar strain, a chronic acquired psychiatric disorder, residuals of prostate cancer, bilateral leg condition, sleep apnea, and headaches. The effective date for these benefits is July 25, 2013.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status was denied as her service-connected disabilities did not result in such needs.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claims for a respiratory condition and headaches are granted, with headaches being related to his military service. The respiratory condition claim is denied.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50 percent since November 5, 2010. The left facial scarring is rated at 80 percent due to the presence of six or more characteristics of disfigurement.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to their death. The Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal at this time.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient evidence regarding his periods of active duty, ACDUTRA, and INACDUTRA. The Veteran is also required to provide additional medical opinions on the etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection of low back, right knee, chest injury, and headaches.,There is insufficient medical evidence linking any current disabilities to service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for hypertension, TBI residuals, and headaches have been granted. The examiner found that the Veteran's PTSD medications caused or aggravated his erectile dysfunction, hypertension, and headaches.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, headaches, bilateral hearing loss, and sleep apnea. The claims are granted as they meet the criteria for direct service connection.

The Veteran's onychomycosis of the toenails is found to have its onset during active service and granted service connection. The issue regarding residuals of a TBI remains pending as it requires further development.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on the merits has been granted, and he is now receiving a 100 percent evaluation for his heart condition (CAD). His renal insufficiency with hypertension is rated at 60 percent. He also receives SMC based on housebound status due to his CAD.

The case is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA records and arranging for a medical examination to determine the etiology of tinnitus and the severity of sinusitis with headaches.