Migraines & headaches decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the case for further development and evaluation of the Veteran's claims, including obtaining additional medical records, scheduling VA examinations, and providing a more detailed opinion regarding his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for cervical and lumbosacral spine disabilities, headaches, depression, and penis disability (ED) due to inadequate examinations that did not consider lay evidence of symptoms from service. The Veteran's service records do not provide a clear picture of his pre-service health or any in-service injuries.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection due to new evidence added since the last Statement of the Case. The claims will be reviewed again, including a TDIU claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right shoulder disorder other than right upper extremity radiculopathy of the median nerve and his claim for an initial compensable evaluation for headaches have been remanded due to new evidence received. The AOJ is instructed to obtain additional medical records, including from Dr. P.G., and schedule VA examinations.

The Veteran's headaches prior to July 17, 2017 were rated at a noncompensable level. The Board has now granted an initial 30 percent evaluation for these headaches.

The Veteran's TDIU is granted with an effective date of August 13, 2014. The earlier claim for migraine headaches (secondary to Major depressive disorder) and the request for a prior effective date are also granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches is remanded due to conflicting medical opinions and the need for additional evidence.

The Board has restored the 10 percent ratings for thoracolumbar strain, right knee disability, and left knee disability effective September 1, 2014.,The TBI rating was reduced from 10 percent to noncompensable effective October 28, 2014.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is denied as the evidence does not support a finding that it began during active service or is otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for insomnia, including as secondary to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune or secondary to tinnitus, is denied. The Board finds no credible evidence of the onset of insomnia during service and concludes that it is not related to service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches, including as secondary to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune or secondary to tinnitus, is denied. The Board finds no credible evidence of the onset of headaches during service and concludes that they are not related to service.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to a lack of complete, current medical records and VA examinations. The Veteran's surviving spouse is substituted as the appellant.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected bronchitis and TDIU was denied. The Board found that the Veteran’s disability picture did not more nearly approximate the criteria for an increased rating under Diagnostic Code 6600, and concluded he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his migraines and mental health issues.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral lower extremity disabilities and several other conditions, have resulted in a combined rating of 100 percent. The Board has granted SMC benefits at the (r)(1) rate based on his need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities. Additionally, the Veteran is eligible for specially adapted housing as he meets the criteria for loss or use of both lower extremities.

The Board has granted service connection for migraine headaches, but denied service connection for sinusitis and tinnitus. The Veteran's migraine headaches are found to have begun during active service and continue today. Service connection is not established for sinusitis or tinnitus as there is no evidence of a current disability related to military service.

The Veteran's cluster headaches, RLE radiculopathy, and GERD have been granted increased ratings of 30 percent each. The effective date is not specified.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for lower spine disability, headaches, and sleep apnea due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a failure to provide an examination before deciding the service connection claim for tension headaches. The Veteran's claims are related to his in-service head injury.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development to obtain relevant medical records and determine the appropriate disability ratings and service connection.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for migraine headaches and a right wrist disability due to insufficient reasoning in the original decision. The Veteran's migraine headaches are found to be secondary to his service-connected obstructive sleep apnea, while the right wrist disability is related to service.

The Veteran's insomnia and migraine headaches are granted service connection.,The Veteran's back disorder is remanded for further examination and opinion.,The Veteran's BUE disorder, to include cubital tunnel syndrome, is remanded for further examination and opinion.,The Veteran's sleep disorder, other than insomnia, to include obstructive sleep apnea, is remanded for further examination and opinion.