Migraines & headaches decisions — 2019

The Veteran's headaches and hypertension are not service-connected as they did not manifest during active duty, nor are they linked to his Gulf War service or PTSD.,His lower back disability is not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing it was present in service or within the presumptive period for undiagnosed illnesses. The Veteran's current IBS is also not service-connected as there is no link between his active duty and this condition.

The Board granted an effective date of June 28, 2010 for the award of a total disability individual unemployability (TDIU) based on the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and associated migraine headaches.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for migraines was denied, and the issue of an increased disability rating for PTSD and TBI residuals is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for a cervical spine disorder and headaches was denied due to the lack of new and relevant evidence.,Compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for both conditions was not granted as there is no credible evidence supporting the Veteran's claim that he incurred additional disabilities or aggravation of existing disabilities as a result of VA treatment.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, hypertension, and headaches. The cases are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's radiculopathy in the right and left lower extremities are granted a rating of 40 percent, which is not higher.,The Veteran's headaches are denied as they do not meet the criteria for a higher than 30 percent rating.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for hypertension is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if his headaches and dizziness are related to his service-connected hypertension or other conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches have been granted a 50% rating, effective August 19, 2011. The Board found that the Veteran experiences very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.

The Veteran's tension headaches are rated at a maximum of 50 percent since February 17, 2015. The Board found that the frequency and severity of his migraines meet the criteria for this rating.

The Veteran's claims for initial evaluations of his service-connected disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining complete SSA records and scheduling a VA medical examination.

The Board denied service connection for migraines as there was no evidence of a chronic condition in or since service, and the Veteran did not have a diagnosis within one year after separation from active service.

The Board denied service connection for fibromyalgia, arthritis, a left wrist fracture, residuals of head injury, varicose veins, and headaches as the evidence did not establish that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.,No specific in-service event was identified to support claims for these disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development and clarification of medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for headaches, posttraumatic and left-sided sensory loss, residuals of a cerebrovascular accident were denied as the evidence did not show that his conditions warranted higher disability ratings.

The Board has ordered the Veteran's claims remanded for additional examinations to address his claimed right shoulder disability, headaches (including migraines), and intervertebral disc syndrome. The VA medical center cancelled the requested examinations due to an inability to reach the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches associated with residuals of TBI was granted, and an effective date of June 29, 2002 is assigned.,For the period prior to May 29, 2014, a rating of 70 percent for mood disorder due to TBI is granted.,TDIU benefits are granted from July 1, 2009 to May 28, 2014.,The Veteran's claim for increased rating for mechanical back pain prior to May 28, 2014 remains pending and requires further evidence.,A compensable rating (10 percent) is granted for residuals of TBI including subjective impairment of the left side.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a rib condition, TBI residuals (including headaches and tinnitus), and an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent for PTSD have been denied. The Board found that there was insufficient evidence to establish service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal on the issues of service connection for psychiatric disorder, traumatic brain injury, headaches, left eye disability, and bilateral hearing loss disability.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the claims can be fully adjudicated. The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating are being remanded to allow for further examination and consideration of the evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's migraine disability is a separate entity from his service-connected fibromyalgia and was incurred in service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for migraines is granted.