Migraines & headaches decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches and degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the cervical spine were denied as new and material evidence was not received to reopen these previously denied claims.

The Board has denied the Veteran's initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and his TDIU claim. The case is remanded to obtain a VA examination to determine if he has an acquired psychiatric disorder or headache disability related to his service-connected hearing loss, as well as to assess his employability.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including cervical spine disorder, bilateral hip and ankle disorders, bilateral foot disorders, vertigo, urticaria, headaches, and TMJ, are remanded due to lack of recent medical records and need for further examination.

The Veteran's migraine headaches have been granted an initial rating of 50 percent, which is the maximum available under VA regulations.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for migraine headaches and sleep apnea is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination. The Veteran contends that his current conditions are related to his military service, but there is insufficient evidence to support these claims.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches associated with PTSD and major depressive disorder are rated at 50 percent effective from March 13, 2013.

All appeals are dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to May 10, 2001.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hearing loss, tinnitus, scars, and headaches due to a lack of service treatment records. The Veteran is asked to provide any relevant medical evidence or lay statements supporting his claims.

The Veteran's migraines are remanded for further evaluation due to conflicting evidence and the need for updated medical records.

The Veteran's service-connected migraines have been granted an initial 50 percent rating, effective December 21, 2018. The Board has also remanded several other issues for further development.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for headaches is being remanded due to the need for a review of his medical records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches did not result in prostrating attacks of headache pain prior to November 16, 2015. Therefore, a compensable rating is denied.

The Veteran's service connection for migraine headaches has been granted. The initial disability rating for her lumbar spine strain remains at 20 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's mid-back condition is not service-connected, but his headaches are service-connected.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased rating claims due to withdrawal of his appeal by the Veteran. The appeals were not related to service connection, but rather to issues regarding increased ratings.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service treatment records are incomplete and requests for these records have not been completed. The Veteran is also requested to provide any additional medical records from private providers, including Dr. Baldwin.

The Veteran's migraine headaches and acquired psychiatric disorder, including recurrent major depressive disorder with psychotic features and depression NOS, are granted. Service connection for scars is denied as the effective date prior to April 17, 2013 cannot be established. The TDIU claim is remanded due to lack of a completed VA Form 21-8940 and incomplete SSA disability records. Service connection for tinnitus and carpal tunnel syndrome are also remanded.

The Veteran's initial 50 percent evaluation for migraine headaches is granted prior to February 11, 2015. The Board finds that the evidence supports a finding of very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for chronic headaches, finding that there is no evidence linking current chronic headaches to service or a service-connected disability.