Migraines & headaches decisions — 2019

The Veteran's service connection claim for migraine headaches is granted, as the Board finds that there was an in-service incurrence of migraine headaches and a nexus between those in-service symptoms and the current condition.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion regarding the severity of the left ankle strain. The Veteran's claim for service connection for posttraumatic headaches remains pending.

The Board denied service connection for posttraumatic headache disorder, left foot disorder, left ankle disorder, DJD of the right knee, DJD of the left knee, and lumbar spine disorder.,There is no evidence in the STRs or VA treatment records that supports a link between any of these conditions and active duty service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the issues on appeal, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are at issue.

The Veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to service-connected disabilities, including depression and back pain. The Board has granted TDIU based on the impact of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for headaches, claimed as secondary to a neck condition due to additional development being required.

The Board has decided to remand the claim of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) prior to November 9, 2015 for further action. The Veteran's employability during this time frame is being evaluated.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for sickle cell trait with bleeding and migraines, sleep apnea (Gulf War exposure), erectile dysfunction (secondary to hernia and medications), degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, allergic rhinitis, and inguinal hernia. The Veteran is also requested to provide a DRO hearing.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraine headaches was granted effective July 11, 2008. The Board denied a request for an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection. The Board found the evidence supported his claim of in-service noise exposure and persistent symptoms since service.,A VA hearing loss examination is needed to determine if the Veteran has current hearing loss, which may be related to service. He testified that he experienced hearing loss during service and since then.,The Veteran's headaches were remanded for a VA examination to determine their etiology. The Veteran testified that his symptoms began in service and have persisted.,A VA examination is needed to assess the nature and cause of any right shoulder disability, including pain. The Veteran testified about an injury during boot camp which he avoided seeking treatment for fear of retribution.,The Veteran's right knee disability was remanded for a VA examination to determine its etiology. He testified that his duties as an infantryman put stress on his knees and led to current pain.,A new VA examination is needed to assess the severity of the Veteran’s lumbar spine disability, including any flare-ups requiring bedrest.

The Veteran is not competent to handle disbursement of VA funds due to his mental health issues and history of hospitalizations.

The Veteran's service-connected headaches are currently rated as 30 percent disabling prior to May 17, 2019, and 50 percent thereafter. The Board found the evidence did not support a higher rating for either period.,The Veteran's service-connected sinusitis is currently rated as non-compensable (0 percent) prior to May 17, 2019. The Board found the evidence did not support a compensable rating for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is dismissed as moot because he has already been receiving a 100% rating for his service-connected bilateral progressive cone dystrophy and other disabilities, which qualifies him for special monthly compensation (SMC) under Section 1114(p). An award of TDIU would not provide the Veteran with additional SMC benefits.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for TBI, headaches, anxiety disorder, PTSD and MDD due to head trauma during service. The appeal is allowed in part.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records from incarceration facilities and scheduling specialized examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and therefore his TDIU claim is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions due to incomplete records and a need for further eligibility determination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete documentation and lack of compliance with prior remand directives. A new VA migraine examination is required.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for cervicogenic headaches is granted. The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran currently has a headache disability secondary to his service-connected cervical spine disability. The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to inadequate opinion regarding its etiology.

The Veteran's claim to reopen service connection for a left knee disorder is granted. The rating for PTSD remains at 50 percent, and the TDIU determination is granted.