Migraines & headaches decisions — 2018

The Board has decided to remand three issues: hypertension, migraines, and PTSD. Further evaluations are needed for each condition.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is rated at 10 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's left knee disability was initially rated at 10 percent and has been rated as such since. A higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected traumatic brain injury did not result in compensable residual symptoms. The Board denied an initial compensable rating for TBI, but granted secondary service connection for a headache disorder and memory disorder to the service-connected TBI.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, back disorder, hypertension (secondary to an acquired psychiatric disorder), erectile dysfunction, chronic headache disorder, left and right lower extremity disorders, and acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete compliance with previous remands.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to inadequate VCAA notice and need for further development, including consideration of Persian Gulf Service considerations.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a new VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD, migraines, GERD, thoracic strain (low back disability), and tinnitus are all granted service connection.,Service connection for a right knee disability and inguinal hernia is denied.

The Board has decided that there is insufficient evidence to determine if the Veteran's headaches are related to her military service, specifically due to environmental hazards of the Gulf War. The case is being sent back for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, which is secondary to his service-connected sinus condition, has been denied. The Veteran's increased rating claim for post-concussive headaches prior to April 21, 2017, and in excess of 30 percent thereafter, has also been denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling examinations.

The Board denied service connection for bone cancer, fibrous dysplasia, Graves' disease, right eye disability, and headaches due to lack of in-service ionizing radiation exposure.

The Veteran's cervical spine DJD and DA are granted as secondary to service-connected lumbar spine DA.,Service connection for unspecified depressive disorder is granted.

The Board has remanded several claims due to the need for additional evidence and examinations. The Veteran's service-connected conditions include migraine headaches, a left forehead laceration, tinea pedis of the bilateral feet, gout, sleep apnea, multiple painful joints, allergies, bilateral knee swelling with pain, bilateral hearing loss, residuals of a bilateral ankle injury, an upper and lower back disorder, and tinnitus. The claims are remanded for further development including obtaining SSA records, VA treatment records, and examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a right shoulder disability, low back disability, and headache disability due to inadequate opinions in the June 2013 VA examination.

The appeals regarding the veteran's depressive disorder and posttraumatic tension headaches have been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of menstrual abnormalities is dismissed. An initial rating of 70 percent, but not higher, for unspecified depressive disorder is granted and a rating in excess of 50 percent for migraine headaches is denied.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU effective from June 18, 2015. The Board finds that the earlier effective date of September 11, 2012 should be granted as it was determined by VA in September 2012 that the Veteran could not secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected post-traumatic headaches.

The Board has vacated its previous decision and remanded the case for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion regarding the causality and aggravation of the Veteran's headaches by his service-connected depressive disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus type II and its secondary effects on other conditions, have been denied as there is no evidence of in-service disease or injury, or a nexus to service.

The appeal for service connection of a neurological condition now noted with headaches is granted. Service connection for the right ankle, acquired psychiatric condition other than adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, cervical spine condition, left elbow fracture, left hand condition, and left eye condition are all remanded.