Migraines & headaches decisions — 2019

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back condition and a headache disability, including as secondary to service-connected hypertension. The decision is based on the need for additional medical records and an examination.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, depression, insomnia, headaches, an unexplained chronic multisymptom illness, and hearing loss are being remanded due to the need for further development of evidence related to his service connection claims.

The Veteran's service connection claim for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is denied as there is no current diagnosis of CFS separate and distinct from his other diagnosed conditions. The initial compensable rating for Tension Headaches is also denied.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including back disorder, PTSD, diabetes mellitus, headaches, high cholesterol, heart disorder, lung disorder, and skin disorder. The appeal is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination regarding the Veteran's sleep disorder. The other claims for service connection have been denied.

The Veteran's tension headaches are currently evaluated as noncompensable, and the Board denied entitlement to an initial compensable disability rating for service-connected tension headaches. The Veteran was also denied TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities not rendering him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the claims of entitlement to a higher initial rating for migraine headaches and TDIU due to service-connected PTSD and migraine headaches. The AOJ is instructed to provide another opportunity for the Veteran to submit additional evidence, including private medical records from the relevant time periods.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable disability rating for service-connected erectile dysfunction and entitlement to an effective date earlier than September 1, 2013 for the grant of entitlement to service connection for erectile dysfunction and radiculopathy, left lower extremity has been dismissed.,The Veteran's appeals for initial increased ratings for service-connected lumbar strain and left lower extremity radiculopathy have been remanded due to incomplete private treatment records from PFM, MCFO, and CS&KS. The RO is instructed to obtain these records and update the electronic claims file with all outstanding VA treatment records.,The Veteran's appeals for entitlement to service connection for right and left foot disabilities have been remanded as the preexisting bilateral pes planus noted upon entry into service may have undergone an increase in disability during active duty service. An addendum medical opinion is needed to address this issue.,The Veteran's appeal for initial increased ratings for service-connected lumbar strain has been remanded due to incomplete private treatment records from PFM, MCFO, and CS&KS. The RO is instructed to obtain these records and update the electronic claims file with all outstanding VA treatment records.,The Veteran's appeals for entitlement to an initial compensable disability rating for service-connected radiculopathy, left lower extremity have been remanded due to incomplete private treatment records from PFM, MCFO, and CS&KS. The RO is instructed to obtain these records and update the electronic claims file with all outstanding VA treatment records.,The Veteran's appeal for entitlement to a separate rating for exertional compartment syndrome in his right foot has been remanded due to incomplete private treatment records from PFM, MCFO, and CS&KS. The RO is instructed to obtain these records and update the electronic claims file with all outstanding VA treatment records.,The Veteran's appeals for entitlement to service connection for a left foot disability have been remanded due to incomplete private treatment records from PFM, MCFO, and CS&KS. The RO is instructed to obtain these records and update the electronic claims file with all outstanding VA treatment records.,The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable disability rating for service-connected traumatic brain injury has been remanded due to incomplete private treatment records from PFM, MCFO, and CS&KS. The RO is instructed to obtain these records and update the electronic claims file with all outstanding VA treatment records.,The Veteran's appeals for entitlement to an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected left knee patellofemoral disability have been remanded due to incomplete private treatment records from PFM, MCFO, and CS&KS. The RO is instructed to obtain these records and update the electronic claims file with all outstanding VA treatment records.,The Veteran's appeals for entitlement to an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected right knee patellofemoral disability have been remanded due to incomplete private treatment records from PFM, MCFO, and CS&KS. The RO is instructed to obtain these records and update the electronic claims file with all outstanding VA treatment records.,The Veteran's appeal for effective date earlier than July 18, 2017 for the increased 50 percent disability rating awarded for service-connected migraine headaches has been remanded due to incomplete private treatment records from PFM, MCFO, and CS&KS. The RO is instructed to obtain these records and update the electronic claims file with all outstanding VA treatment records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for neck disability, left hip disability, headaches, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The appeals were dismissed or denied based on lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, migraines, and TBI, are found to be disabling enough for the Board to grant a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tension headaches are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations to assess the current severity of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate VA examination reports and lack of consideration of pertinent lay statements. The appeals are now pending with the AOJ.

Service connection is granted for tension headaches, but hypertension service connection claim is denied. The Veteran's hearing loss claim is remanded for a more contemporaneous VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral pes planus, headaches, an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD, depression, anxiety and acute insomnia), and sleep apnea due to new evidence added after previous decisions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for allergic conjunctivitis with pinguecula, dry eye syndrome, and ocular migraines. The Board found that there was no evidence to support a nexus between these conditions and active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD, but denied the claims for throat condition, TBI, neck disability, tinnitus, and headaches.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a headache condition, and residuals of traumatic brain injury. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea, skin condition (vitiligo), and headache condition. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's increased rating claim for coronary artery disease and remanded the TDIU claim due to insufficient evidence regarding his employability.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's headaches, specifically whether they are related to service or asbestos exposure.