Migraines & headaches decisions — 2018

The Veteran's tinnitus, allergic rhinitis, headache disorder, and bilateral shin splints were incurred in service.

The Board denied service connection for HIV infection, TTP, chronic right eye disability, acute bronchitis, sleep apnea syndrome, and traumatic brain injury (TBI) as the evidence did not support a link to service or any other valid theory of service connection.

The Veteran's tension headaches are being remanded for additional development due to the lack of recent medical records and a need for an updated examination.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 30% since April 25, 2012. His hemorrhoids remain rated at 10%. The Veteran is granted a TDIU effective October 13, 2010.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's TBI, headaches, left eye ptosis, and left-sided facial vascular symptoms are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current headaches, which began during service after a head injury, are related to his military service and grants service connection for residuals of a head injury including headaches.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's migraine headaches originated during active service and granted his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal to service connect depression as secondary to his service-connected migraine headaches has been withdrawn. The case is being remanded for a new VA examination and additional development of the record.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the claims can be adjudicated, including obtaining service personnel records and STRs, as well as SSA disability benefits records. VA examinations are also required to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's current disabilities.

The Veteran's tinnitus was found to have originated during service. However, his right and left ear hearing loss do not meet the criteria for service connection as stated in VA regulations. The Board granted service connection for a right shoulder disorder but denied service connection for heart palpitations, headaches, shortness of breath, and fatigue.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain medical records and provide a new VA examination.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding service connection for depression, general anxiety disorder, and migraine headaches prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for migraine headaches was denied as the current 50 percent rating is the maximum schedular rating available. The Veteran's symptoms are not shown to be more severe than what is encompassed by the current rating.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent, and his migraine headaches are rated at 50 percent. The Board finds that the evidence supports these ratings based on the severity of symptoms and their impact on employment.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is found to be etiologically related to active duty service, and the Veteran is granted service connection for this condition. The issue of headaches remains pending as an addendum opinion is needed. The rating for bilateral shin splints is also pending due to a need for additional development.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches are rated at a maximum schedular evaluation of 50 percent. The Board has determined that the current rating adequately reflects the severity and frequency of his disability, thus denying an extraschedular rating. For the TDIU claim, the evidence shows that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, warranting a grant of TDIU.

The Board has ordered additional development for the Veteran's claims of increased ratings for right foot sural neuroma and migraine headaches due to outstanding VA or private treatment records, as well as examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered her unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment consistent with her educational and occupational background, warranting a TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for all issues, with the exception of her initial compensable evaluation for epicondylitis right elbow. The denial is based on lack of evidence supporting higher ratings.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to March 16, 2016 is being remanded as the evidence suggests that he may be unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.