Migraines & headaches decisions — 2019

The Veteran's service connection claims for left ear hearing loss, tinnitus, PTSD, and dermatitis have been granted. The claim for right ear hearing loss is being remanded.,An initial compensable rating for dermatitis has been granted with an effective date of October 14, 2014.

The Veteran's claims for a compensable evaluation for migraine headaches and an evaluation greater than 20 percent for lumbar strain have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support these increased ratings.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraine headaches, to include as secondary to service-connected postural hypotension, is remanded due to inadequate medical opinions and the need for further development.

The appeal of the denial of an increased rating for hearing loss is dismissed.,The petition to reopen the claim of service connection for low back disability, left eye disability, and skin disability are granted. Service connection for left eye disability is also granted.,Entitlement to service connection for depressive disorder, vascular disease including hypertension, Raynaud's syndrome, headaches, low back disability, neuropathy of the left lower extremity, neuropathy of the right lower extremity, and a compensable rating for right forehead scar are remanded.

The Board has dismissed all issues of service connection due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for lung nodules, ischemic brain condition, acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD), hearing loss, tinnitus, and headaches due to inadequate medical opinions in previous decisions.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and tension headaches have been granted increased ratings, but the rating for degenerative disc disease with degenerative joint disease remains at 20 percent. The case is remanded to further evaluate these issues.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for chronic headaches, finding that there is no medical evidence to support a link between his current condition and either service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has granted reopening of claims for service connection for fatigue, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and migraine headaches. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's increased rating claims for left elbow epicondylitis and impairment of forearm as due to left elbow epicondylitis have been dismissed.,The Veteran's low back strain has been denied with a 10% rating prior to July 20, 2016 and a 20% rating from that date. The Veteran's tension headaches claim has also been denied.

The Veteran's claims for a separate initial compensable rating for ischemic changes of the brain, service connection for right knee disability, bilateral shoulder disabilities, right wrist DJD and CTS disabilities, and headache disability are all remanded due to insufficient evidence.,VA examinations are needed in order to address the Veteran's assertions regarding his in-service falls and subsequent falls after separation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinea versicolor, headaches, hypertension, and bilateral upper extremity tremors as new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen these previously denied claims.

The Board has determined that another remand is necessary to ensure compliance with the prior remand directives, including obtaining a VA examination and ensuring all relevant medical records are associated with the claims file.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of migraine headaches, shortness of breath post aggravated deviated septum, and hypertension are REMANDED. The Veteran also seeks service connection for a deviated septum and a psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and insomnia). These claims are referred to the AOJ for further consideration.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals right wrist fracture, migraine headaches, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and hypertension due to potential preexisting conditions and need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's initial rating for headaches has been granted at a 50 percent disability rating. The claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, previously denied due to lack of new and material evidence, is now reopened. Service connection for the acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) is established based on credible supporting evidence that the claimed in-service stressor occurred.

The Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 are denied for weakness and throat disorder, but remanded for further action on his claims for headaches and additional psychiatric disability.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination as they pertain to service connection for TBI, neck disability, spinal fusion (low back disorder), and headaches.

The Veteran's tension headaches are rated at a maximum of 50 percent from September 10, 2013 to February 12, 2018. The appeal is granted for this period.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed because she limited her appeal to the issue of entitlement to service connection for headaches, and did not perfect an appeal for other issues. The AOJ had already granted this claim in a prior rating decision.