Migraines & headaches decisions — 2019

The Veteran's migraine headaches are characterized by prostrating attacks occurring on an average of at least once a month over the last several months that require the use of medication and rest. The headaches do not meet the criteria for a higher rating as they are not productive of severe economic inadaptability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic thoracolumbar strain was denied due to lack of in-service event or medical evidence linking the condition.,The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available.

The Veteran has withdrawn all issues on appeal, including the ratings for Traumatic Brain Injury and Tension Headaches, as well as service connection claims for Acid Reflux and Low Back Disorder.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at a private hospital on September 16, 2016 were denied because there was no emergency situation warranting treatment at the private facility and VA facilities were feasibly available.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent her from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, so the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability is denied.

The Veteran's petition to reopen the previously denied claim of service connection for a left foot condition was denied.,The Veteran's petition to reopen the previously denied claims of service connection for sleep disorder and hallux valgus of the right foot were also denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, headaches, and an increased evaluation of GERD were granted. The Veteran's GERD is rated at the maximum 60 percent disability level due to significant weight loss.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a lung condition and for an increased rating for headaches due to inadequate examination reports and incomplete treatment records.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including transient ischemic attacks with seizures, diarrhea, involuntary movements, migraine headaches, depression and mental confusion with anger outbursts, and blurred vision, due to lack of evidence of exposure to mustard gas or sarin gas during active duty.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, migraine/tension headaches, and knee disorders have been granted. The claim for a left knee disorder is remanded, while the right knee disorder claim remains pending.

The Board has found that further development is necessary for the service connection claims related to lumbar spine disability, vertigo, migraine headaches, erectile dysfunction (secondary to lumbar spine disability), and right lower extremity radiculopathy. The Veteran's current disabilities are believed to be related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to issues related to white matter brain disease, migraine headaches, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The remand includes additional development such as obtaining VA treatment records, requesting copies of ship logs, and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has denied service connection for a TBI. The Veteran's claims for bilateral eye disorder, sinus disorder, and headache disorder are remanded as they are inextricably intertwined with the denial of service connection for TBI.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are currently rated at 30 percent, but a separate 10 percent rating is granted for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.,The Veteran's left ankle strain remains rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss has been denied as there is no current diagnosis of such condition.,Service connection for migraine headaches, claimed as secondary to service-connected disabilities, is remanded due to the need for an addendum opinion addressing whether the Veteran’s migraine headaches are caused or aggravated by his allergic rhinitis and/or sinusitis in light of the June 2017 VA examination and Dr. C.B.’s opinion.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding his claims of service connection for a headache disability and entitlement to TDIU due to the conflicting medical evidence on the nature and etiology of his headaches.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her lumbar spine and headache disabilities, as well as for a TDIU. The remand requires additional examinations to determine the current severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and a higher rating are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evidence.

Service connection is granted for a back condition, left knee condition, right knee condition, depression, and headaches secondary to service-connected bilateral ankle disabilities.,An effective date prior to July 6, 2015, for the grant of service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to substantiate the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including arthritis, cervical spine disorder, lumbar spine disorder, and several other musculoskeletal issues. The decision also includes remands for tinnitus and peripheral neuropathy.