Migraines & headaches decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for bilateral shoulder condition, cervical spine condition, and headaches (secondary to PTSD and/or service-connected conditions) have been granted. The case is remanded for a new examination to address the secondary service connection claim.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew all issues on appeal in June 2018 and July 2018.

The Board has granted service connection for a chronic headache condition and secondary service connection for the same to his service-connected cervical spine disorder.

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability to include PTSD and depression, hypertension, inguinal hernia, and headaches due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The claims are now remanded for further development.

A rating of 30 percent for post Moyamoya disease with residual headaches is granted from May 11, 2015. A rating in excess of 30 percent for post Moyamoya disease with residual headaches is denied.,Entitlement to an initial compensable rating for hypertension is denied.

The Veteran's appeal was granted for entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU), and the other issues were denied or not addressed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted for a neck disability, bilateral radiculopathy of the upper extremities as secondary to service-connected neck disability, obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to service-connected back disability, and bilateral leg DVT as secondary to service-connected back disability. The Veteran's migraine headaches claim has also been reopened.

The Board has granted service connection for migraines and a permanent and total rating for pension purposes, but denied service connection for psychiatric disability (bipolar disorder and depression), insomnia, sleep impairment, and memory loss.

The Board has decided to remand the claim for an increased rating of migraine headaches due to outstanding treatment records and a need for updated VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for neck and spine pain, constant muscle pain, constant diarrhea, lung disorder, skin rash, headaches, leg disability, and loss of memory due to potential Gulf War exposure. The Veteran will be provided a VA examination to determine if these conditions are related to his service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have any impairment or diagnoses of a headache disability or disabilities of the hip, knees, legs, ankles, feet, a deviated septum, or a heart disability related to his active service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include service connection for various conditions, with some requiring initial compensable ratings.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to eligibility for accrued benefits and substitution as claimants. The AOJ must provide notice to each applicant about their rights and options, including whether they wish to pursue accrued benefits or substitution.

The Veteran's initial disability rating of 30 percent for the undiagnosed illness manifested by headaches and dizziness is granted, effective from the date of the decision. The Veteran's PTSD remains rated at 70 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected migraines are rated at 50 percent and do not meet the criteria for a TDIU evaluation. The Board finds that his migraines preclude him from participating in any substantially gainful employment, warranting an extraschedular TDIU rating.

The Board has granted service connection for migraine headaches. Service connection for cervical spine and lumbar spine disabilities is remanded due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals regarding hypertension, migraines, short term memory loss, and a rating in excess of 30 percent for actinic keratosis. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD) was granted with a 30% rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete records from Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA disability determination(s) and associated records need to be obtained for further consideration.

The Veteran's service-connected migraines are rated at a minimum of 10 percent, with the effective date being June 2016.

The Board has determined that additional examinations are needed for the Veteran's hearing loss, left ankle disability, headaches, and low back disabilities due to their worsening since his last VA examination. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the increased rating claims.