Migraines & headaches decisions — 2019

The reduction of the disability rating assigned to the Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches from 30 percent to 10 percent was improper, and a 30 percent disability rating is restored, effective July 1, 2013. The issue of entitlement to a rating in excess of 30 percent for service-connected migraine headaches remains on appeal.

The Board denied service connection for migraine headaches and unspecified joint pain and/or insomnia, finding that the evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and the Veteran's active service.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU on an extra-schedular basis prior to April 2017 is being remanded due to the need to determine if his employment in his family's business constituted substantially gainful employment or marginal employment.

The Board denied service connection for an eating disorder, sleep apnea, diverticulitis, and headache disorders as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disability (MDD/PTSD). The claims were not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's January 1967 claim for service connection for residuals of head injury must be reconsidered. The appeal is remanded for further development and readjudication.

The Veteran's left and right eye disabilities, forehead osteoma, and headaches are all granted service connection. The Veteran's TBI claim is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including coronary artery disorder and head injuries, have been denied as there is no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicide agents or direct causation. The Board found that the Veteran did not experience current residuals from acknowledged in-service head injuries.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and major depressive disorder. The VA examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to military service, particularly the alleged sexual assault.

The Board found that the Veteran's migraine headaches had their onset in service and granted service connection for this condition.

Service connection is granted for depressive disorder and headaches as secondary to service-connected disabilities.,Service connection is granted for left shoulder degenerative joint disease (DJD), right shoulder degenerative joint disease (DJD), left knee disorder, right knee disorder, left hip disorder, right hip disorder, keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eyes), residuals of a right eye injury, and unspecified allergy disorder.,Service connection is granted for left shoulder degenerative joint disease (DJD) and right shoulder degenerative joint disease (DJD).,Service connection is granted for left knee disorder and right knee disorder.,Service connection is granted for left hip disorder and right hip disorder.

The Board has denied service connection for tinea pedis and migraine headaches, but has remanded the issues of service connection for great right toe disability, great left toe disability, residuals of a right foot fracture, and chest injury. The claim to reopen previously denied asthma is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, chest pain, hepatitis, lung disease, headaches, residuals of a neck injury, and gastrointestinal disorder due to lack of a statement of the case.

The Veteran's petition to reopen service connection for right and left lower extremity pain, headache disorder, and low back disability was granted. The claims of service connection for a left knee disability (claimed as upper/lower leg pain) and total disability rating due to unemployability are remanded.

The Board denied service connection for tinnitus and tension headaches, as well as the reopening of a claim for ovarian cysts. The application to connect an acquired psychiatric disorder was also remanded.

The Board has found that the Veteran's lumbar strain and chronic headache disorder are related to service. However, further examination is needed for his claims of plantar fasciitis, allergic rhinitis, and hypertension.

The Veteran's ingrown toenails of the left big toe are granted service connection. The skin condition of the right big toe is denied service connection. Service connection for a left knee disability and migraine headaches is remanded.

The Veteran's headaches and major depressive disorder are found to be service-connected.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability is denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a sleep condition is denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for high blood pressure is denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for high cholesterol is denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches is denied.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of bipolar disorder is granted and the effective date is July 12, 2013.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at a maximum of 50 percent, and his peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity (sciatic nerve) is rated at 20 percent after subtracting the pre-aggravation rate.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to insufficient medical evidence and the need for further examinations.