Migraines & headaches decisions — 2019

The Veteran's initial rating for TBI is denied, and his initial compensable rating for headaches is also denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support additional staged ratings for any time period on appeal.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not service-connected as there is no evidence of a current disability meeting VA criteria.,The Veteran's headaches are not service-connected due to lack of in-service onset and no credible link to active service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disorder was denied as new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim. The denial of joint disorders/arthritis, low blood pressure, headaches, and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome is also noted.,Service connection cannot be granted for any of these conditions due to lack of competent evidence linking them to active service or events therein.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including a lumbar spine/low back disability and respiratory issues (including asbestosis), right shoulder and left shoulder disabilities, headaches, diabetes mellitus type II, hemorrhoids, and sleep apnea are being remanded due to the receipt of new and material evidence. The Veteran's claims will be further evaluated with additional medical examinations.

The Board has withdrawn the appeal for service connection of arthritis of the left foot, reopened claims for blurry vision and chronic headache disability, and remanded for further examination regarding residuals of a head injury.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for lumbar spine disability, migraine headaches, and acquired psychiatric disability due to potential issues with medical opinions and development of evidence. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is intertwined with the service connection claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus was denied, but his claims for PTSD, acquired psychiatric disorder (general anxiety disorder and depressive disorder), obstructive sleep apnea, and headaches were all granted.,Service connection is established for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (general anxiety disorder and depressive disorder) based on a direct relationship to military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraine headaches has been reopened, but the remand order requires additional development to address whether his migraines are related to service or aggravated by other conditions. The Veteran's cervical spine disability is also being remanded for further examination and opinion regarding its severity.

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to service connection for migraines and cervicogenic headaches, as well as evaluations for left and right upper extremity radiculopathy. The remand requests that VA obtain additional medical records and a complete copy of the Veteran's Headaches DBQ.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for a cervical spine condition, left knee condition, and headaches have been granted. The rating for PTSD has also been increased to 50% effective May 9, 2019.

The Board has restored the original rating of 30 percent for service-connected tension headaches, effective May 19, 2016. The claims for increased ratings for back disability and right great toe disability are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for generalized anxiety disorder was denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of generalized anxiety disorder was also denied due to lack of evidence submitted prior to October 11, 2013.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred during a private MRI on October 21, 2010 due to lack of a 'medical emergency' and because VA facilities were feasibly available.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for clothing allowances due to lack of evidence showing wear and tear on his clothing. The case is remanded for further review regarding the bilateral knee braces.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is granted as secondary to service-connected disability. The Board has remanded for further action on issues including service connection and rating for other conditions.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal for service connection of TBI due to withdrawal by his attorney. The claims for service connection of headaches and a chronic disability manifested by dizziness are remanded for additional development.

The Board denied service connection for a neck disorder, right arm disorder, traumatic brain injury (TBI), headache disorder, and cognitive impairment/memory loss. The decision is based on the absence of evidence linking these conditions to service.,Service connection was not granted because there was no medical opinion establishing a link between any of the claimed conditions and service.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,Service connection for left hip condition and bilateral hearing loss disability are denied.,Service connection for headaches is granted. The Veteran has a current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder characterized as depressive disorder.,PTSD service connection is reopened due to new evidence, but the claim remains denied.,Service connection for cervical spine disorder is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected headaches are now rated at 50% effective March 24, 2014. Prior to this date, the rating was 30%. The VA examiner found that the Veteran experienced prostrating attacks of non-migraine headache pain more frequently than once per month.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate reasons or bases for rating the Veteran's headaches, and requires updated medical records.