Migraines & headaches decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches are currently rated at 30 percent, but the Board finds that they do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating as they have not produced severe economic inadaptability.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for headaches, GERD, TBI, and sleep apnea due to his failure to attend scheduled VA examinations. The AOJ must reschedule these examinations on remand.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to new evidence received since the last denial, and additional VA examinations are required to determine if the Veteran's knee, foot, and headache disorders are related to his service-connected conditions or active duty.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability. The Board also remanded the issues of right shoulder, hip, and lower extremity disabilities for further development.

The Veteran's initial compensable ratings for costochondritis and tension headaches have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show prostrating attacks as required for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including significant mental health and physical conditions, have prevented him from obtaining and maintaining substantial employment. Therefore, a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is granted.

The Veteran withdrew her appeals for all the listed issues, and the Board has dismissed them.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further examination and opinion regarding service connection for lactose intolerance and tension type headaches, both claimed as due to undiagnosed illnesses.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of his bilateral shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, ankle conditions and migraine headaches are remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's petition to reopen the claim for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease was denied. The petition to reopen the claim for headaches was granted, but the claim for sleep apnea remains not established. Service connection for left varicocele and recurrent low back strain with mechanical low back pain and lumbar spasm were both denied.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for tinnitus service connection is denied.,Service connection for a back disability and headaches is denied as the evidence does not establish that these conditions were incurred during active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for back disability, psychiatric disability (depression and alcohol abuse disorder), headaches, hypertension, and diabetes have been granted. The diagnoses of depression and alcohol abuse disorder are linked to service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for headaches and TBI, as well as his claim for a total disability individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to November 19, 2014. The case is being returned to the Board for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for asthma, headaches, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Board found that her pre-existing respiratory condition (asthma) did not worsen during service, and her headaches were not related to a service injury or event.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for right knee disability, major depressive disorder, erectile dysfunction, and headaches. The decision is based on direct service connection as there are no allegations or evidence suggesting a presumption-based claim.

The Veteran's service connection claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, tinnitus, sleep apnea, and headaches are all granted.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for tension headaches is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to the need for a new VA audiological examination and opinion.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee disorder, left ankle disorder, diabetes mellitus type II, carpal tunnel syndrome of the hands, low back disorder, hypertension, varicose veins, pulmonary sarcoidosis, and left foot disorder are all remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and opinion.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for right hand carpal tunnel syndrome, right ankle disorder, right knee disorder, right foot disorder (pes planus), and right varicose veins are not addressed as they do not involve secondary service connection.

The Board denied service connection for headaches as the Veteran did not present evidence of a current disability and no nexus to service. The right ankle rating was reduced from 20% to 10%, but restored due to lack of proper procedural steps.,For the period prior to April 27, 2016, the Veteran's TDIU claim was granted as his disabilities affected a single body system and were severe enough to prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that additional development is required before the claims on appeal may be decided. The Veteran's sleep apnea and IBS are remanded for new VA examinations to determine their nature and etiology, as well as whether they are related to service-connected disabilities. Migraine headaches are also remanded due to its potential secondary relationship with sleep apnea.

The Board has denied compensable ratings for tension headaches and occluded right carotid artery, but has remanded the issue of service connection for a throat condition due to insufficient evidence.