Migraines & headaches decisions — 2018

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate examination, and a new opinion is needed regarding whether the Veteran's migraines are related to other instances of headaches noted in service records.

The Veteran's migraine headaches have been granted a rating of 50 percent, effective from the date of the decision. The other claims for increased ratings were denied.

The Veteran's TDIU was originally granted in May 2012 and effective from May 23, 2005. The Board is remanding the case to consider whether the earlier effective date of May 23, 2005, meets the schedular requirements for a TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for higher initial disability ratings for migraine headaches, chronic rhinitis, and back condition need to be remanded due to a lack of recent medical examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain or maintain a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board finds that TDIU benefits are warranted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression), a sleep disorder, and migraine headaches due to inadequate examination reports and missing in-service noise exposure records.

The Board has granted service connection and increased ratings for left upper extremity cubital tunnel syndrome, right upper extremity cubital tunnel syndrome, headaches, and cervical spine disability. The Veteran is also entitled to a 30 percent rating for his cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, left ear hearing loss, right ear hearing loss, back disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder (schizophrenia and depression) have been denied. However, new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims of right ear hearing loss, back disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder (schizophrenia and depression). Service connection for these conditions is granted.,The Veteran's service-connected residuals of large colon resection and abdominal scar due to peritoneal adhesions have caused his depressive disorder. As a result, secondary service connection for this condition is also granted.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings for headaches and meningioma with grand mal epilepsy were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating for headaches or an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for meningioma with grand mal epilepsy prior to October 11, 2016.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received, allowing the Veteran's claim for service connection to be reopened. Service connection is granted for residuals of pseudotumor cerebri, including vision loss and headaches.

The Board denied service connection for left lower extremity neuropathy, radiculopathy, and cervical spine disorder. The Veteran's GERD, erectile dysfunction, headaches, and acquired psychiatric disorder were also remanded due to the need for an addendum opinion regarding whether they are aggravated by his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a head injury, including TBI, memory loss, migraine and blackouts; an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and depression; and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The claims are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and medical opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his degenerative disc disease, anxiety disorder, hiatal hernia, migraine headaches, radiculopathy (left and right lower extremities), and eczema, render him unemployable. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the combined effect of these conditions.

The Veteran's tinnitus and headache disorder are granted service connection, while the left knee disability is granted a 20% rating. The left knee disability will not be rated higher than 60%. The decision also includes findings on increased ratings for other conditions.

The Veteran's headaches are found to be etiologically related to his active service, and the Board grants service connection for headaches. The psychiatric disability claim is remanded due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examinations.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of August 30, 2004 for the award of service connection for major depressive disorder due to its manifestation before that date.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The Veteran's headaches are granted a 30% evaluation, but not higher.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee arthritis, respiratory condition, and headaches due to inadequate medical opinions. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's tension headaches, which are found to be secondary to his service-connected PTSD.