Migraines & headaches decisions — 2018

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 8100.,The Veteran's lumbar disc disease with degeneration, disc protrusions, and degenerative joint disease was initially rated as noncompensable but has been increased to 20 percent effective April 6, 2012. The right lower extremity radiculopathy associated with the lumbar disability is also rated at 40 percent effective July 27, 2015.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for various service-connected disabilities have been denied. The RO found that the current ratings adequately reflect the severity of the Veteran's conditions.

The Board has found that the Veteran's migraine headaches and dyshidrotic eczema are related to service, thus granting service connection for these conditions. The remaining issues of entitlement to service connection for bilateral foot problems, hypertension, and a gastrointestinal condition are remanded.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal symptoms are due to her already service-connected irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and thus, the claim for a gastrointestinal disability is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a medical opinion on the etiology of his nasal conditions and PTSD. The issue of service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder requires issuance of a Statement of Case.

The Veteran's muscle contraction headaches have been rated at 30 percent since the grant of service connection in April 2016. The Board found that his condition does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as he has had prostrating attacks less frequently than once per month.

The Board has awarded service connection for recurrent rhinitis, which is intertwined with the Veteran's service-connected trigeminal nerve and sinus disabilities. The issues of a rating in excess of 30 percent for trigeminal nerve damage with sensory impairment and hyperesthesia on an extraschedular basis under the provisions of 38 C.F.R. § 3.321(b)(1) and a rating in excess of 50 percent for sinusitis with headaches and maxillary sinus fracture residuals on an extraschedular basis under the provisions of 38 C.F.R. § 3.321(b)(1) are now remanded to allow for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a disability manifested by headaches and blackouts is being remanded due to the need for an addendum medical opinion considering articles submitted in support of his claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions do not meet the criteria for service connection based on evidence of record.

The Veteran does not have service connection for TBI residuals related to his period of active duty service.

The Veteran's combined disability rating for service-connected conditions is 60%, which does not meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU. However, after considering all evidence of record and the policy that veterans who are unable to secure and follow substantially gainful occupation by reason of service-connected disabilities shall be rated totally disabled, the Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him unemployable.

The Veteran's service-connected brain atrophy with residual headaches is rated as a brain abscess and migraines, resulting in very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability. The claim for an increased rating has been granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination to address the current severity of his migraines and asthma, as well as whether these conditions are related to service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for an injury to the jaw and an injury to the right eye with residual headache and dizzy spells. The claims are therefore denied.

The Veteran's sinusitis with headaches is currently rated noncompensable prior to June 23, 2016 and at 50 percent thereafter. The Board finds that the criteria for a 10 percent rating have been met for the appeal period prior to June 23, 2016 but not for the period from June 23, 2016.

The Board granted service connection for tension headaches with photophobia and assigned a disability rating of 30 percent effective April 29, 2016.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claim for service connection for migraine headaches, including as secondary to PTSD and/or bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus. The case is being remanded for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's headaches have been rated as 30 percent disabling, but the Board has determined that a higher rating of 50 percent is warranted based on very frequent prostrating attacks requiring rest in a dark room.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's headaches and kidney disorder are not related to service, including exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE). The claims for service connection have been denied.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings for TBI, tinnitus, and post-traumatic headaches were denied. However, he was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities.