Migraines & headaches decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the claim for additional development due to inadequate examination reports and the need for a VA examination to determine the type of degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine that is service connected, which may affect the Veteran's migraine headaches.

The Veteran's left hip osteoarthritis and headaches are granted service connection, while her hypothyroidism is denied.,Service connection for left hip osteoarthritis and headaches is granted based on the evidence showing a relationship to service. Service connection for hypothyroidism is denied as there is no evidence of aggravation during service.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar strain, migraine headaches, and scars from breast cancer partial mastectomy are all granted with specific disability ratings. The lumbar strain is rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and initial ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine and tension headaches are rated at 50 percent, the highest available under Diagnostic Code 8100. The Board also granted a TDIU based on his combined disability rating of 90 percent.

The appeal for service connection for diabetes mellitus is dismissed.,Service connection for bilateral leg edema, headache disorder, stomach disorder, skin disorder, swelling of the right foot, and swelling of the left foot are all denied.,These issues have been remanded to allow further development.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and headaches rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment from February 19, 2008 to prior to March 3, 2016. His TDIU claim is granted for this period.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a head injury and/or concussion, as well as headaches. The Veteran's claim for service connection for these conditions is being reviewed due to new evidence submitted since previous decisions.,The VA examiner will be asked to provide an opinion regarding whether it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran’s current symptoms are related to her in-service head injuries and/or concussions.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the May 2017 decision and the inadequacy of past VA examinations. An additional VA examination by a neurologist is needed to determine the current severity of TBI and distinguish PTSD symptoms from TBI symptoms.

The Board has remanded the claims for hypertension, migraine headaches, coronary artery disease, GERD, and an acquired psychiatric disability due to a lack of proper notice and development.

The Veteran's chronic headaches were not shown in service or many years thereafter, and the preponderance of evidence fails to establish a relationship between his diagnosed headache disorder and active service.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claims for service connection, as the current opinions are not based on accurate factual premises and do not address all relevant theories of causation.

The Veteran's eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits is contingent on a finding of a permanent and total disability. The Board has ordered additional records to be obtained, including VA medical records from October 2014 to March 2017, and an opinion regarding the permanence of the severity of the service-connected epilepsy.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records from 1990-1991, and the Veteran's name changes. The claim will be reconsidered after obtaining these records.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a respiratory condition (previously claimed as bronchitis), sleep condition, and headaches secondary to his service-connected depressive disorder is granted. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral eye condition is denied.

The Veteran's service connection claim for memory loss and her rating appeal for migraine headaches are both remanded due to the inadequacy of the previous VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting medical evidence and the need for further examination regarding the Veteran's psychiatric conditions, including PTSD and depressive disorders. The examiner is asked to determine if the Veteran has a current diagnosis of PTSD or any other psychiatric condition related to service, including radiation exposure. Additionally, an opinion on whether the Veteran has a separate diagnosis for a headache condition is needed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension and migraine headaches due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran needs a VA examination to determine if his conditions are related to service, including exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's headaches are related to service or a service-connected disability, and thus service connection for headaches is granted.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated at 20 percent, and he is granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance of another. The issues regarding service connection for Parkinson’s disease and sleep apnea secondary to PTSD have not yet been adjudicated.