Migraines & headaches decisions — 2019

The Veteran's chronic headaches began in service and continue to this day.,The Veteran's sleep apnea is secondary to his service-connected low back disability.

The Veteran's claims for tinnitus, migraine headache disability, herpes disability, sleep disorder, athlete’s foot, left shoulder disability, right shoulder disability, low back strain disability, left hip disability, right hip disability, left knee disability, right knee disability, plantar fasciitis, and shin splints have been denied.,The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for his right and left eye disabilities due to incomplete information.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for meningitis, renal failure as secondary to meningitis, headaches as secondary to meningitis, PTSD as secondary to meningitis, depressive disorder as secondary to meningitis, and anxiety disorder as secondary to meningitis. The Board found that the appellant does not have any of these conditions.

The Veteran's left eye disability is rated at a 30 percent rating, effective from the date of the decision. The Veteran's exertional headaches are rated at 10 percent, effective from the date of the decision. The Veteran's head scar is rated at 10 percent, effective from the date of the decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance and housebound status, finding that her service-connected conditions did not render her bedridden or in need of regular aid and assistance.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for migraine headaches, hypertension, fatigue, a back condition, and bilateral knee conditions due to outstanding treatment records and need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be related to his headaches, but a VA examination is needed to determine if this relationship exists and whether it is due to the PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a headache disorder has been reopened. The Board finds that additional development is necessary to determine if the Veteran's headaches had an onset during service or are causally related to his military service, and whether they are proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for migraine headaches prior to October 12, 2015 and a rating in excess of 30 percent from October 12, 2015 forward due to insufficient development.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further consideration of her service connection claims, including those related to headaches and other Gulf War illnesses.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for headaches has been withdrawn and is dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability, headaches, and persistent depressive disorder with anxious distress have been reopened. The claim for service connection for a low back disability is being remanded for additional development.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches are also being remanded for additional development.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain another VA examination and medical opinion in order to address the Veteran's claimed symptoms and determine if they are related to his service.

The Veteran's asthma and headaches have been granted service connection. The heart condition and tinea versicolor issues are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to inadequate examination in July 2017, specifically regarding the relationship between insomnia and the residuals of his cerebral spinal fluid leak. The Veteran must be afforded a VA examination that provides sufficient detail and rationale for these issues.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his severe back pain and heart condition, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service connection claim for headaches has been granted. The claims for a compensable disability rating for hypertension and service connection for obstructive sleep apnea have been remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have worsened, and she is being asked to provide updated evidence or be examined by VA.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted service connection. The issue of service connection for migraines is remanded, as well as the TDIU claim due to its interrelatedness with the other issues.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for headaches, GI disability, and skin disability due to lack of a VA examination. The Veteran is presumed to have Gulf War Syndrome based on his service in Southwest Asia.