Migraines & headaches decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining private medical records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the severity of the Veteran's chronic hoarseness and headaches associated with service-connected allergies.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, a headache disorder (secondary to tinnitus), and an increased rating for his left great toe disability were denied. The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim for bilateral hearing loss, and that there was insufficient medical opinion linking the current conditions to service.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, as well as chronic headaches. The Veteran's initial compensable ratings for bilateral hearing loss, right great toe bunion, and left great toe bunion have also been granted.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current disability of hearing loss for VA purposes, and therefore, his claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for migraine headaches has been withdrawn by the appellant, resulting in dismissal of the case.

The Board has decided that further development is needed, including obtaining the Veteran's VA treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) disability/SSI benefits records. A new TBI examination by an appropriate specialist will also be arranged.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to address the Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities, including traumatic brain injury residuals, headaches, right and left knee disabilities, and a micro corneal scar of the left eye. The Veteran is presumed credible regarding his boxing experiences during active duty.

The appellant's appeal has been withdrawn due to his attorney indicating that the appellant wishes to withdraw the appeal for all issues listed on the cover page.

The Board has ordered the case to be remanded for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and an etiology opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a head injury, including headaches and as secondary to service-connected scalp scars. The other issues on appeal are pending.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches have not been shown to be of such severity so as to preclude substantially gainful employment, and the criteria for assignment of TDIU are not met.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is currently rated as 10 percent prior to August 16, 2017 and 20 percent thereafter. The evidence does not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine or the Formula for Rating IVDS Based on Incapacitating Episodes.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a neck disability, migraines, and IBS has been granted. The Board found that the evidence established continuity of symptomatology for these conditions.,New and material evidence was also received to reopen the claim for service connection for a neck disability.

The Veteran's tension headaches, partial complex seizures, and residuals of a shell fragment wound to the scalp are all found to be related to service. The Veteran's partial complex seizures and residuals of shell fragment wound to the scalp were not shown in service or post-service.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches are currently rated at 30 percent, effective November 5, 2009. The Board found that the evidence supported this rating as the Veteran experienced characteristic prostrating attacks occurring on an average of once a month over the last several months.

The Board finds that the Veteran's cervical spine disorder is related to his military service, warranting service connection.,There is at least equipoise evidence supporting a finding that the Veteran's left ankle sprain may be linked to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment effective October 23, 2008. The Board found that the Veteran engaged in marginal employment as of this date.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral restless arms, to include as due to an undiagnosed illness, has been denied. The Board finds that the Veteran does not currently have a disorder associated with bilateral restless arms and has not had such a disability at any point since filing her claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to April 12, 2016.

The Veteran's headaches are caused by his service-connected psychiatric condition (schizophrenia with panic disorder, mental disorder, and adjustment disorder tendencies). As a result, the Board has granted secondary service connection for migraines.