Migraines & headaches decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for vascular headaches, sinus condition (presumed secondary to sarcoidosis and uveitis), and uveitis due to conflicting medical opinions and need for additional development.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions related to Behcet’s syndrome, including skin manifestations, neurological symptoms, erectile dysfunction, psychiatric disorders, bowel issues, and arthritis, have been granted. The Veteran's claim was reopened due to new evidence supporting the diagnosis of Behcet’s syndrome.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his mixed headaches is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and an updated examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and a need for additional medical opinions. The claims will be reconsidered after all requested development is completed.

The Board denied service connection for chronic headache disorder, chronic lumbar spine disorder, and depressive disorder due to lack of evidence showing a current disability or a link between the conditions and active service.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches are granted a 10 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are granted a 30 percent rating effective July 3, 2018. The Veteran's PTSD is granted a 50 percent rating from August 3, 2016 and denied for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent from August 17, 2015. A compensable rating (10%) is granted for TBI.

The Board has denied service connection for a left foot disability, glaucoma, and a left knee disability. The issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, gastrointestinal disability, headaches (claimed as head trauma), and an acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for migraine headaches was denied. The Veteran is currently rated at 50% for the period after November 13, 2018.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder is found to be the primary cause of his current OSA and headaches. His right shoulder, lumbosacral strain, and right knee disabilities are all granted with specific ratings.

The Veteran's claims for left shoulder disorder, hypertension, stomach disorder, PTSD and depression, right ankle disorder, tinnitus, left ankle DJD, lumbar spine strain, right Osgood-Schlatter’s syndrome, rhinitis, and right elbow laceration scar have all been denied. The claim for service connection for PTSD and depression has been reopened due to new evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including unexplained chronic multi-symptom illness, fibromyalgia, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, and memory loss. The claim for a low back disability was reopened but not granted. The appeal is remanded for further evaluation of other issues.

The Board has dismissed the claim for service connection for left leg pain and weakness as it has been granted with a full award of benefits. The issue of service connection for migraine headaches is remanded.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for fainting spells, sleep apnea, and headaches to obtain additional medical evidence and determine their etiology.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disabilities are found to be the primary cause of his current respiratory and cardiovascular disabilities, including erectile dysfunction, tension headaches, sinusitis, asthma, rhinitis, sleep apnea, a respiratory disability claimed as due to asbestos exposure, and a cardiovascular disability. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating higher than 10 percent for left thumb sprain and service connection for obstructive sleep apnea has been dismissed.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than August 26, 2015, for the grant of a 50 percent rating for his psychiatric disorder is denied. The Board finds that there is no evidence showing worsening of symptoms within one year prior to the August 26, 2015, increased rating claim.,The Veteran's service connection claims for right thumb disability and headaches are granted.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50 percent effective November 7, 2012. She is entitled to a higher rating prior to this date.

The Veteran's claims for increase ratings in Meniere’s syndrome and depressive disorder have been withdrawn.,The issues of service connection for colitis, TDIU from December 1, 2012 to August 4, 2016, and the remaining appeal are remanded.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for migraine headaches is remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding direct and secondary service connection.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bronchitis and cervical neck lordosis condition, vertigo, irritable bowel syndrome, and migraine headaches as secondary to her service-connected disability of nonspecific musculoligamentous strain, lumbar spine. The remanded issues include determining whether these conditions are aggravated by her service-connected disabilities or if they have a direct relationship with her military service.