Migraines & headaches decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the Veteran's service connection claims for missing VA treatment records and additional National Guard service records. The claims will be reconsidered after these records are obtained.

The Board denied service connection for chronic respiratory disability, headache disorder, and PTSD. The claim for acquired psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD) is reopened but the claim remains denied.

The Board denied a compensable initial rating for tension headaches prior to April 13, 2016, finding that the Veteran's symptoms did not more nearly approximate the criteria for a compensable rating prior to this date.

The Veteran's TMJ disability was increased to a 30 percent rating effective May 16, 2017. Prior to this date, the condition had been rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability was reopened, granted, and an effective date of June 21, 2015, is assigned. Service connection for bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy on secondary basis to his cervical spine disability is also granted. An effective date earlier than October 4, 2016, for the assignment of a 20% rating for his cervical spine disability is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating issues, effective from March 16, 2012. The Veteran is also being asked to complete a VA Form 21-8940 for TDIU.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his incarceration, requiring VA to secure updated medical records and arrange for examinations to determine the nature and etiology of any disabilities claimed.

The Veteran's asthma, sleep apnea, hypertension, high cholesterol, residuals of TBI, and migraine headaches have been reopened for further review.

The Veteran's service connection claims for lumbar spondylosis, bilateral hearing loss, high cholesterol, heart condition (to include as secondary to obstructive sleep apnea), migraines, and an acquired psychiatric condition have all been denied.,Service connection was not granted because the evidence did not support a finding that any of these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board denied service connection for right knee tendonitis and remanded the issues of increased evaluations for asthma and cluster headaches.,For the period from November 3, 2009 to October 3, 2017, the Veteran's asthma was granted a 30% evaluation. For the period after October 4, 2017, the claim for an increased rating remains pending.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's headaches and hemorrhoids. The hearing loss claim is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches are rated at 30 percent for the period prior to July 29, 2011. The Board finds that his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA treatment records, as well as scheduling the Veteran for VA examinations.

The Veteran's service connection claims for left leg pain, right leg pain, and migraine headaches have been denied. Service connection was granted for migraine headaches as secondary to the service-connected allergic rhinitis.,Service connection for left leg pain (left leg bursitis and left gastrocnemius tear) and right leg pain (right knee strain) were not established.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate rationale in the previous opinion and the need for a new examination.

The Board has remanded the cases for further action due to the Veteran's failure to authorize VA to obtain his treatment records from Dr. K.

The Veteran's service-connected chronic headaches resulted in very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability, warranting a rating of 50 percent.

The petition to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for migraine headaches based on new and material evidence is granted. The claim of entitlement to service connection for migraine headaches is remanded.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is rated at 30 percent, effective from the date of the decision. The Board also granted service connection for his sinus condition, sleep disorder, and headaches due to exposure to burn pits.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, increased ratings for neck and low back disabilities, and earlier effective dates for radiculopathy of the arms and legs are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and medical opinions.