Migraines & headaches decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and increased ratings due to insufficient evidence, including a lack of medical opinions on the issues. The Veteran is also required to undergo VA examinations to assess her current disability levels.

The Veteran's lumbar strain is rated at 20 percent effective March 3, 2017. The Board has ordered additional development for other claims and issues.

The Board has denied service connection for migraine headaches and remanded the issues of an increased rating for lumbar spine disability, service connection for radiculopathy in both lower extremities, and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's appeal of the denial of service connection for sinusitis has been dismissed due to his withdrawal. The appeals for TBI, headaches, vertigo, pseudoseizures, sleep walking, and allergic rhinitis are remanded.

The Board has determined that additional medical records are needed to fully evaluate the Veteran's claims, and a new VA examination is required for several issues. The effective date of service connection for migraine headaches remains under review.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's sleep hypopnea, specifically whether it is related to service or secondary to medications for his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran withdrew all issues on appeal, including those related to service connection for various disabilities. As a result, the Board dismissed these claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraine headaches and bipolar disorder (previously claimed as explosive personality disorder) is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations.

The Veteran's tension headaches are currently rated at the maximum schedular rating of 50 percent, and no higher. The Board found that the current evaluation adequately reflects the severity of his condition.,Prior to January 29, 2013, the Veteran’s right eyebrow scar was rated as noncompensable under Diagnostic Code 7800. From January 29, 2013 forward, it has been rated at 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 7804.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for further development, including a VA examination to assess his service-connected tension headaches and any related seizures.

The Veteran's service connection claims for left shoulder disability, right shoulder disability (secondary to left shoulder), and posttraumatic headache were all granted. The posttraumatic headache claim received a higher initial rating of 50 percent as of October 23, 2008.

The Veteran's service-connected migraines are being remanded for further examination and evaluation due to the lack of a rationale explaining the absence of prostrating attacks, despite the Veteran's assertions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including gout and low back condition, were denied. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to active service or exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including those related to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, were denied as the evidence did not support a link between these conditions and his military service.,Specifically, the Board found that none of the claimed conditions are linked to the Veteran’s active duty or to contaminated water exposure at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's tension headaches are found to be related to his service-connected tinnitus and anxiety disorders.,The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder with panic disorder and major depressive disorder is found to be related to his service-connected tinnitus, left ankle injury, and anxiety disorders.

The Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss have been rated based on the criteria provided. The Veteran is seeking higher ratings, but the current schedular ratings are considered adequate.,The Veteran claims service connection for migraine headaches and a cervical spine disorder. Further examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder, recurrent, severe with psychotic features is granted as service connected. Her tension headaches and migraines are also granted as secondary to her major depressive disorder. The cases of tinnitus, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus type II are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's mild degenerative disc disease at L2-L3 and L3-L4 levels is granted as service-connected.,His left knee condition, right knee condition, and bilateral foot condition are denied as not related to his service.,His depression is granted as service-connected.,His sleep apnea is granted as service-connected.,His headaches are granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's tinea pedis (bilateral feet) and PFB (previously rated noncompensable) are granted with a 30% rating effective June 25, 2012.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including chronic kidney disease and headaches, have been denied. The Board has found that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at a 30 percent disability rating, the maximum allowed under Diagnostic Code 8100. The headaches cause prostrating attacks occurring on average once a month and last one to two days with symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and light sensitivity.