Migraines & headaches decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches and sleep apnea, as well as his initial rating for MDD, ratings for right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, left knee osteoarthritis, left knee instability, and degenerative disc disease of L5-S1 have all been denied. The Board found that new evidence did not establish a link between the Veteran's conditions and service.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for headaches was denied as the evidence did not show that he experienced prostrating attacks, which is required for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 8100.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic headache disorder is granted. The claims for higher initial ratings for his lumbosacral spondylolisthesis with degenerative disc disease and right lower extremity radiculopathy, as well as the adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood are remanded for further development. The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is also remanded.

Service connection is granted for the Veteran's headache disorder. The Board finds that service connection is warranted due to reasonable doubt in favor of a relationship between the Veteran's headaches and his active duty service. Service connection is remanded for the bilateral hand disorder, as there are conflicting opinions regarding its relation to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for neck disability, right ear hearing loss, right shoulder bicipital tendonitis (right shoulder disability), right ankle strain, left ankle strain, right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFS), left knee PFS, right elbow olecranon bursitis (right elbow disability), lumbar spine disability with Scheuermann's kyphosis (lumbar spine disability), right hip strain with limitation of extension and flexion, left hip strain with limitation of extension and flexion, bilateral pes planus, left ear hearing loss, and tension headaches. The claims are being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's tension headaches are rated at 50% effective September 30, 2011. The Board found the evidence in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's condition met the criteria for a 50% rating due to very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disability is not related to his service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus need further evaluation due to potential progression of symptoms since his last VA examination.

The Veteran's hypertension is denied as there is no evidence of onset during service or within one year post-service, and the current disability does not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection.,A 30 percent evaluation is granted for tension headaches due to characteristic prostrating attacks occurring more than once a month over the last several months.,The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder is evaluated at 50 percent as it causes occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance due to his limited mobility, inability to perform daily activities independently, and the hazards inherent in his environment.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection for chronic headaches, colitis, right ear hearing loss, tinnitus, sleep apnea, and leg disorders due to new evidence. The claims are remanded for further development including VA examinations.

The Board denied service connection for tinnitus as it is not related to the Veteran's military service or a service-connected disability. The Veteran was granted TDIU on an extra-schedular basis due to his service-connected migraine headaches.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions including PTSD, MDD, a left knee condition, respiratory issues, and a skin condition. The cases are being returned to obtain additional medical opinions and evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea secondary to service-connected unspecified anxiety disorder, but the issues of service connection for allergic rhinitis, asthma, a skin disability, and migraine headaches are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral shoulder conditions, neck condition, and headache condition secondary to service-connected lumbar strain are remanded due to inadequate medical examination reports. The Veteran is also required to undergo a new VA examination for her lumbar strain claim.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection of left arm radiculopathy, right arm radiculopathy, and headache disability should be remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, allergic rhinitis, and tension headaches have been granted. The Veteran's claim for a heart disorder has been denied. Other issues related to his service-connected conditions or disabilities are being remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The cases of lumbar spine disorder, cervical spine disorder, bilateral foot disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and headaches are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has decided to remand several claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates, including those related to the Veteran's back disability, knee disabilities, foot disabilities, migraines, TDIU, and DEA.

The Board has remanded the claims for sarcoidosis, migraine headaches, and sinusitis due to insufficient evidence or procedural issues. The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for his sinusitis evaluation remains unresolved.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or by reason of being housebound due to a lack of an appropriate VA examination. The examiner must clarify if the Veteran is limited in his ability to bathe and toilet as a result of service-connected disabilities.