Migraines & headaches decisions — 2019

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, but has remanded them due to the need for additional evidence regarding in-service chemical exposure and psychiatric disorders.

The Board has remanded the cases of bilateral hearing loss, migraines, and tinnitus due to lack of initial AOJ review for new evidence submitted by VA.

The Board denied claims for hypertension, PTSD, hepatitis C, and a bilateral ear disability. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety disorder) was reopened based on new evidence provided by the Veteran's attorney.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims due to inadequate medical opinions and the need for further evidentiary development.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for additional development due to his refusal of a VA examination and the need to obtain more recent medical records.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is currently rated at 30 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's left foot dermatitis does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under current regulations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for Multiple Sclerosis and Headaches, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection were dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (major depressive disorder), sleep apnea, and headaches. The Veteran's left wrist, neck, back, and neurobehavioral effects of tension and confusion claims are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression) and chronic headaches. The claim for service connection for pituitary adenoma was withdrawn by the Veteran during his hearing.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance is denied because the earliest factually ascertainable date that he was entitled to SMC based on aid and attendance was September 23, 2013.

The Veteran's appeals for various disability ratings have been dismissed due to the withdrawal of the appeals by the Veteran through his representative.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic sinus disease, low back disorder, headaches, and obstructive sleep apnea due to conflicting medical opinions and lack of clear evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine, but has remanded the issues regarding residuals of a head injury and psychiatric disability (including PTSD).

The Board denied service connection for fatigue, diabetes, and headaches. The Veteran's fatigue was attributed to hypogonadism rather than an undiagnosed illness or chronic multi-symptom illness related to Persian Gulf War experiences. His diabetes is not considered a presumptive condition due to his obesity and lack of evidence linking it to service. His headaches are attributed to degenerative joint disease and sinus issues, unrelated to Gulf War exposures.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is now rated at 70 percent, effective December 18, 2012. Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and a headache disorder are granted as secondary to the service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's headaches are granted as secondary to service-connected PTSD and tinnitus. The issues of service connection for a right hand disability, neck condition, sleep apnea, esophagus condition, hernia disability, head scar, and TBI are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for post-concussive syndrome (TBI) and headache disorder, effective May 10, 2019.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability evaluations for lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease and migraine headaches are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a headache disorder and ADHD, as well as her petition to reopen the claim for major depressive disorder. The claims are being returned for further development due to incomplete records and potential stressor verification.