Migraines & headaches decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or other conveyance and necessary adaptive equipment is denied as he does not meet the eligibility criteria due to lack of loss or permanent loss of use of one or both feet or hands, or permanent impairment of vision of both eyes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current head injury with residual headaches are not related to his in-service injury, and thus service connection is denied.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is currently rated at 30 percent, and his other service-connected conditions do not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are currently rated at the maximum schedular evaluation (50%) and there is no legal basis for a higher rating. The Veteran also does not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine has not resulted in ankylosis or significant limitation of motion, warranting a rating no higher than 20 percent.

The Veteran's claim for sleep apnea was denied as he does not have a current disability.,The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss was denied as his auditory thresholds do not meet the VA regulatory threshold.

The Veteran's appeal is pending and requires a DRO hearing at the next available opportunity. The Board has not made a determination on service connection claims.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches have been rated at 30 percent since June 2, 2005. The appeal is granted as the current rating adequately reflects the severity and frequency of his migraines.

The Veteran's appeal for specially adapted housing and special home adaptation grant was denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected tension headaches disability is rated at a maximum of 50 percent, effective from May 23, 2011. The Board has also found that an extraschedular rating is warranted for the entire period of claim.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to the Veteran's failure to report for scheduled VA examinations and other procedural issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of headaches or bilateral hearing loss, and therefore service connection for these conditions is denied. The claim for acquired psychiatric disorder was remanded due to further development being required.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have hepatitis A and his headaches were not aggravated by service. The claim for hepatitis A is denied, while the claim for headaches remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal via a written statement in February 2018.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are currently evaluated at 30 percent, the maximum schedular rating available.,Malaria is not currently service-connected and thus no evaluation has been assigned.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches are rated at 50% due to very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks capable of producing severe economic inadaptability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, and Migraine Headaches, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether he cannot secure and follow such an occupation due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and review of medical records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and a VA examination to determine if his service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance or housebound.

The Veteran's claim for migraine headaches was denied as there was no formal or informal claim prior to February 7, 2006.,TDIU was granted with an effective date of July 23, 2004, but not earlier.