Migraines & headaches decisions — 2018

The Veteran's chronic headaches, diagnosed as migraines, are related to service and service connection is granted. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his neck condition is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for hypertension, tinnitus, right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, headaches, sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy (left upper extremity), peripheral neuropathy (right upper extremity), peripheral neuropathy (sciatic nerve, left lower extremity), peripheral neuropathy (sciatic nerve, right lower extremity), and peripheral neuropathy (femoral nerve, left lower extremity) are all denied. The Board has remanded the claims for these conditions.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection for bursitis and arthralgia of multiple joints, CFS, mild obstructive airflow disease, and an acquired psychiatric disorder for purposes of eligibility for treatment under 38 U.S.C. § 1702 due to his withdrawal at a hearing. Service connection was granted for a lumbar spine disorder, rash of the shoulders and armpits, migraines, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression). The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for sleep apnea.

The Board has granted service connection for headaches and an acquired psychiatric disability, but denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left ear hearing loss and right shoulder disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current disabilities for which service connection can be granted, including arrhythmia, right ear hearing loss, obstructive sleep apnea, cognitive disorder, left ear hearing loss, IBS with GERD, hemorrhoids, and migraines. The claims are being remanded to allow further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new evidence and additional examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including low back strain and migraine headaches, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted his application for total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or in-service incurrence.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches is denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis or in-service incurrence.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition (including PTSD) is granted as service connected.,The Veteran's left shoulder disability, right shoulder disability, left knee disability, and right knee cap disability are denied as not service connected.,The Veteran's bilateral pes planus, bilateral hearing loss, left groin disability, and right groin disability are denied as not service connected.,The Veteran's headache disability is denied as not service connected.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and TDIU have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and development of the record.

Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and headaches is granted.,An initial rating of 20 percent for bilateral hearing loss is also granted.

The Veteran's initial 30 percent rating for migraine headaches is granted as of March 25, 2012. The Board found that the Veteran's migraines were manifested by characteristic prostrating attacks occurring on average once a month throughout the period on appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hip disability, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, pelvic disability, headaches, and depression. The decision also remanded issues related to a rating increase for epilepsy and SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current headaches are related to an in-service incident, and thus service connection is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for TBI, eye disability, obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, and migraines due to outstanding medical questions. The case will be returned after compliance with appellate procedures.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraine headaches has been reopened and granted.,Service connection is granted for tinnitus, but not for bilateral hearing loss or PTSD with major depressive disorder.,An effective date prior to September 25, 2007 for service connection of PTSD with major depressive disorder is denied.

Entitlement to a higher disability rating for cervical strain prior to July 11, 2016 and an increased rating thereafter is denied.,Initial entitlement to a higher disability rating for headaches prior to July 11, 2016 is also denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee condition, right knee condition, headaches, and intervertebral disc syndrome due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the onset and etiology of these conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have an additional disability manifested by headaches due to the February 2013 parathyroid surgery to remove an adenoma.,The Board also found that the Veteran's facial numbness, injured vocal cords with loss of/impaired speech, and left upper extremity numbness to include hand and finger numbness were not caused by VA’s negligence or a not reasonably foreseeable event.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder and headaches, both related to the Veteran's active service. The decision is based on secondary service connection as the disorders are linked to a pre-existing condition (depression).