Migraines & headaches decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for various disabilities, including a right elbow disability, back disability, hand disorder, hearing loss, headaches, swollen glands, female problems and menstrual disorders, abdominal pain (residuals of hysterectomy), hypertension, left arm pain, right arm pain, left wrist pain, right hand pain, left knee pain, right knee pain, and bilateral foot disorder. The claims are being remanded for further development and consideration.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of plantar fasciitis, hallux valgus, and restless leg syndrome related to his period of service. The VA examiners provided negative nexus opinions.

The Board has found that the Veteran's migraine headaches are not related to his active duty service and do not result from or aggravate a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50 percent effective June 27, 2011. His right inguinal hernia residuals are rated as noncompensable. The TDIU claim is granted.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, effective February 12, 2008. The Veteran does not have moderate or worse incomplete paralysis of the right or left peroneal nerves, nor does she have peripheral neuropathy of the LUE that warrants a higher evaluation.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and bilateral peroneal nerve impairment are not currently service-connected.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current conditions, including bronchitis, chronic sinus problems, loss of sense of smell, and headaches, are related to his active service. The claims for these conditions have been granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, migraine headaches, and degenerative joint disease (DDD) of the cervical spine have all been granted. The claim for sleep apnea has also been granted.,Service connection is established for these conditions based on direct evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiology of his migraine headaches and psychiatric disability.

The Board has granted service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, hyposmia as a residual of oral surgery, and headache condition. Service connection is also granted for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), eczema of the bilateral lower extremities, and residuals of oral surgery. The Veteran's current diagnoses are found to be related to his service in Southwest Asia.

The Veteran's service-connected residual headaches due to heat stroke (claimed as migraines) are rated at 10 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's service-connected residual dizziness and hyperhidrosis due to heat stroke are currently rated at 30 percent, which meets his request for an increased evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings and earlier effective dates for his service-connected tinnitus was denied as there is no legal basis for a schedular evaluation in excess of 10 percent or an effective date prior to August 21, 2013. The Veteran does not have other disabilities that would warrant separate evaluations.

The Veteran is unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to her service-connected disabilities, specifically migraine headaches and thoracolumbar sprain.

The Veteran's TBI residuals include complaints of memory impairment and numbness and tingling in the hands. The Board found that more than a mild cognitive impairment equating to level 2 impairment under any facet has not been demonstrated, and she is currently assigned separate disability ratings for symptoms attributable to migraine headaches, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and tinnitus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, bilateral hallux valgus, low back disorder, and left hip disorder have been reopened. These conditions are now considered secondary to his service-connected sinusitis, bilateral knee disabilities, and left ankle disability.,The reduction in the rating from 10 percent to noncompensable for right knee laxity was not proper as it did not comply with applicable regulations.

The Board has determined that there is insufficient evidence to establish a current diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The Veteran's GERD was diagnosed in May 2010 and the examiner found it likely related to service, while his headaches have not been diagnosed.

The Board found that the appellant's TBI and headaches, claimed as psychosis associated with organic brain syndrome due to brain trauma, caused considerable impairment of social and industrial adaptability prior to March 6, 1995. The rating assigned is 50 percent for this period.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable initial rating for headaches is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for avascular necrosis, status post right hip arthroplasty, migraine headaches, hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea have been denied. The claim for a right knee disability is pending.

The Board has denied all service connection claims as the evidence does not establish a nexus between the Veteran's current conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with depressive mood is currently rated at 30 percent prior to November 8, 2016 and at 70 percent thereafter. The cluster headaches are currently rated at 30 percent.,Neither condition has been found to warrant a higher rating based on the current evidence of record.