Migraines & headaches decisions — 2019

The Veteran's migraine headaches and thoracic spine strain are rated at the maximum allowable levels, but her left fifth metatarsal fracture is not. The Board has ordered further examinations to address the severity of these conditions. Additionally, a TDIU is granted effective July 11, 2008.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including chronic headaches, cold weather exposure residuals, dental and jaw disorders, spinal issues, and eye problems, were denied as there was no evidence of in-service incurrence or a nexus to service.

The Veteran's TBI with mild memory loss, blurry vision and headaches is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board has ordered a new examination to assess the current severity of his condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been remanded due to insufficient evidence. The Board cannot make a determination on the merits of these issues as it is limited to considering the evidence before November 15, 2018.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence was submitted to warrant readjudication of the claim for service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's headaches are remanded due to incomplete examination, and his psychiatric disability claims (including PTSD) are also remanded as there is a need for additional development regarding stressor verification.

The Board has decided that a remand is needed for the Veteran's migraine headaches claim due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between his current migraines and service-connected depression, as well as any in-service head trauma.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and outstanding VA treatment records. The Veteran is also being asked to provide information about his medical history and any relevant private treatment providers.

The Veteran's Chiari malformation and related conditions are remanded due to conflicting evidence regarding the diagnosis and etiology of her condition.,The Veteran's migraines, right foot condition, and other secondary service connection claims are also remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, headache disorder, right trigeminal neuralgia, tinnitus, disfiguring and painful facial scars, and traumatic brain injury residuals, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. As a result, the Board has granted TDIU for the entire period on appeal.

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 50 percent for post traumatic headaches is denied as the highest schedular rating has been awarded.

The Board has granted service connection for tinea pedis. The Veteran's claims for a lumbar spine disorder, radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and migraines are remanded due to incomplete development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include joint pain, muscle pain, fatigue, headaches, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), respiratory condition, and heart condition.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and earlier effective dates for PTSD and migraine headaches is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence consideration.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, finding it as likely as not caused by the Veteran's service-connected left knee condition. The other issues remain remanded.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for right ear hearing loss, tension headaches, and hypertension as due to a bilateral knee disability. The effective date for the increased rating of 100 percent for right ear hearing loss is set at January 22, 2019.

The Board has denied service connection for treatment purposes under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 17 for multiple conditions including right shoulder, right knee, left knee, low back pain, restless leg syndrome, headaches (cephalalgia), chronic fatigue syndrome, and fibromyalgia. The character of the appellant's discharge from his period of service was found to be a bar to VA compensation benefits.

The Veteran's migraine and tension headaches are rated at 50 percent, effective September 11, 2015. The Board found that the symptoms were very frequent, prostrating, and prolonged, capable of producing severe economic inadaptability.

The Veteran was granted service connection for migraine headaches, PTSD, lumbar spine disability, and right knee disability. The claim for erectile dysfunction was denied as the evidence did not show a relationship to service.

The Veteran's GERD was not shown to meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation, and his claim for service connection for migraine headaches is remanded due to inadequate medical opinion.

The Veteran's post-concussive migraine headaches were granted a 10% rating prior to January 24, 2019 and denied any higher ratings. For the period since January 24, 2019, he was denied a rating in excess of 30%. The TBI residuals were also denied any higher ratings.