Migraines & headaches decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development to ensure a complete record upon which to decide his claims. This includes obtaining VA treatment records, scheduling examinations, and considering the evidence in the electronic claims file.

The Veteran's headaches, left and right elbow disabilities, and bilateral plantar fasciitis were evaluated for the period prior to July 10, 2015. The Board found that a compensable rating was not warranted for any of these conditions.,The Veteran's headaches did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation as they were characterized by non-prostrating attacks and did not impact his ability to work.

The Veteran's TBI residuals, apart from headaches, have improved to the point where there is no longer any significant impairment other than headaches. The RO reduced her rating for TBI from 70% to 0%, effective July 1, 2016.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and migraine headaches have rendered him unable to secure or maintain gainful employment, meeting the criteria for TDIU from January 6, 2015. The Board has also determined that he is unemployable prior to this date due to his disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current headaches, back and neck disabilities, hypertension, and abdominal disability are not service-connected as they are either not related to his military service or were pre-existing conditions exacerbated by service.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis was not manifested by polyps, warranting a noncompensable rating from December 1, 2010 to February 21, 2013 and a 10 percent rating on and after February 22, 2013.,The Veteran's migraine headaches were not characterized by prostrating attacks prior to September 24, 2012, warranting a noncompensable rating from December 1, 2010 to September 23, 2012 and a 50 percent rating on and after September 24, 2012.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not service-connected, and thus no effective dates can be assigned.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of a migraine headache disability before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his claims for service connection for various conditions, including frontal sinus osteoma, head trauma, headaches, chronic sinusitis/rhinitis, GERD, and others. The claim of tinea pedis was also withdrawn.

The Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD, skin rash, migraine headaches, and left lower extremity disorder were granted. The claim for bilateral hearing loss was also granted. A rating of 50 percent was assigned for the period prior to April 17, 2014, and a higher rating is sought.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA examiner to address whether the Veteran's cervical spine disability is related to service and if not, whether it was permanently worsened by his service-connected lumbar spine disability. The headaches claim is deferred pending this development.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded to determine if an earlier effective date can be granted on an extraschedular basis. The appeal also includes a request for reconsideration of the August 1990 rating decision regarding service connection for headaches and cervical spine injury.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an initial compensable rating for service-connected tension headaches.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for sleep apnea, which he contends was caused by his service-connected depressive disorder and migraine headaches. The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an addendum medical opinion addressing these claims.

The Veteran's current headache disorder, including migraine headaches, initially manifested during her period of active service and is therefore considered to be incurred in service.

The Veteran's claims for reopening of her service connection claims have been successful, but the Board has not found that any new and material evidence has established a current disability or entitlement to an increased rating.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection, including obtaining medical records and providing an opinion on the etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are currently rated at 30 percent disabling, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The Veteran's mood and anxiety disorder is currently rated at 70 percent disabling, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of reopening his service connection for fatigue, headaches, joint pain and a sleep disorder due to an undiagnosed illness as new and material evidence was not received.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's headaches and obstructive sleep apnea are related to his service, with reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran. The appeal is granted.