Migraines & headaches decisions — 2018

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including loss of vision and sleep disorder. The issues related to TBI or residuals thereof, bilateral inguinal hernias, headaches, sinus disorder with shortness of breath (sinus disorder), eating disorder, balance disorder, CFS, seizure disorder, PUD, esophageal disorder other than GERD, diabetes, bladder disorder, and muscle disorder have also been denied. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU prior to July 1, 2008.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to November 8, 2010, for service connection of headaches was properly filed on November 5, 2010. As a result, the effective date is set at November 5, 2010.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss and headaches were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of in-service incurrence or continuity of symptomatology.,Service connection was also denied for PTSD prior to August 1, 2013, as well as an increased disability evaluation for PTSD effective from August 1, 2013.

The Board found that the Veteran's current sleep apnea and migraines did not originate in service or until years thereafter, and are not otherwise etiologically related to active service.

The Board found that the Veteran's headaches are related to her in-service nasal surgeries, but denied service connection for her sinus disability due to lack of evidence linking it to her service.

The evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's headaches or equilibrium disorder are related to his military service. The Board finds no credible evidence linking these conditions to active duty.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been rated at 70 percent since June 27, 2017. The symptoms have caused significant impairment in work and social functioning.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, blackouts, back condition, sleep disorder, high blood pressure, erectile dysfunction, and acquired psychiatric disability were denied. The right shoulder disability was granted a 20 percent rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral leg cramps and increased ratings for his right and left knee disabilities were all granted. He was also granted individual unemployability.

Service connection is granted for tinnitus, bilateral ear disability (Eustachian tube dysfunction), depressive disorder, bilateral ingrown toenail, Morton's metatarsalgia, interdigital neuroma within second and third toes of the left foot, migraine headaches, jaw residuals involving the 5th cranial nerve on both sides, GERD, chronic lumbar sprain, residuals of a left ring finger fracture, and left thigh scar.,The Veteran's current symptoms are consistent with his in-service complaints and diagnoses.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for kidney pain, sores on left and right arms, abdominal pain, bladder discomfort, fatigue, headaches, and numbness in hands and legs have all been denied. The Board found that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or presumed exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's appeal is denied for the reduction of his left shoulder rating and granted for a higher initial rating for his headache disorder. The remaining issues are not addressed due to lack of specific claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's migraine headaches are secondary to her service-connected PTSD and have granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the Veteran's private medical records related to his claimed conditions. The appeal will be remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's vasovagal syncope, considered analogous to minor seizures, was not manifested by symptoms comparable to more than 10 minor seizures weekly. The criteria for a separate rating of 10 percent for migraines associated with vasovagal syncope are met effective from March 21, 2013.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to allow for a DRO hearing due to the failure of the RO to provide the requested hearing.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran's income exceeded the maximum annual pension rate and whether there are any new or material pieces of evidence for his service connection claims. The case will be returned to the RO for further action.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for headaches. As a result, the claim is granted.,Service connection for headaches is granted as the medical evidence shows current diagnoses and links these conditions to in-service incidents.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for cervicogenic headaches is being remanded to the AOJ for further development and consideration, including a potential referral for extraschedular evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining records from the North Florida South Georgia Veterans Health System and scheduling a VA examination. The claims will be readjudicated after these actions.