Migraines & headaches decisions — 2019

The Veteran's service-connected migraines are rated at a maximum of 50 percent, which is the highest rating available under Diagnostic Code 8100. The Board found that the Veteran experiences very frequent prostrating and prolonged attacks of migraine pain, resulting in severe economic inadaptability.

The Veteran's service-connected migraines have worsened, and a new examination is required to determine the appropriate initial rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for sinusitis, sinus headaches, and allergic rhinitis due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's request to reopen service connection for several conditions, including GERD, was granted. The right heel spur rating is also increased.

The Board has denied service connection for right ear hearing loss and initial compensable ratings for left ear hearing loss. The case is remanded to obtain VA examinations for the Veteran's left knee disability, low back condition, and headaches.,The Board has also found that there is insufficient evidence to grant service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's service connection claims for left and right shoulder, cervical spine, and tension headaches disabilities have been granted. The claim of revision or reversal of the November 1993 rating decision on the basis of CUE has also been granted.

The Veteran's service connection claims for low back disorder, left ear hearing loss, tinnitus, right ear hearing loss, sleep apnea, and headaches have been reopened. However, the Board has determined that new and material evidence was not received to reopen these claims.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than August 29, 2014, for the award of a 50% rating for other specified trauma related disorder with major depressive disorder and history of PTSD is dismissed.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is rated as 30 percent disabling. The Board denied a higher rating due to occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks.,Service connection for the right shoulder disability, lumbar spine disability, and left foot disability was not granted because new evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claims.,The Veteran's sleep apnea is not causally related to his military service. Service connection for migraines was also denied due to lack of causal relationship with military service.,,,

The Veteran's service connection claim for residuals of TBI, aside from headaches, is remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and missing service personnel records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new and material evidence, as well as for additional medical examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new and material evidence, as well as other issues related to his PTSD claim. The VA is instructed to obtain all relevant records, including SSA records, and schedule a VA psychiatric examination.

The appeals for service connection of bilateral tinnitus, hypertension, anxiety disorder, depression, and migraine headaches have been dismissed.,The appeal for an increased rating for the service-connected mood disorder as secondary to degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine has been remanded.

The Veteran's migraines prior to July 8, 2015 were not productive of characteristic prostrating attacks and thus did not warrant a compensable rating.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as the Veteran does not have a current disability meeting VA criteria.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to service connection for a low back disorder and an increased rating for headache disorder. The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a low back disorder is reopened, but his current headache disorder remains at a 30% disability rating.

Tinnitus is granted as service-connected.,Bilateral hearing loss, bronchitis, residuals of thyroidectomy, obstructive sleep apnea, and migraine headaches are remanded for further development.,An acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) is remanded for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for tinnitus, headaches, and sleep disturbances due to insufficient reasons or bases in the August 2013 VA examiner's opinion. The Veteran is required to provide medical records and undergo VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraine headaches has been reopened and granted. Service connection is denied for allergies and asthma.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU and DEA benefits was denied as the effective dates requested were not warranted based on the regulatory criteria and legal precedent governing eligibility for these benefits.

The Veteran's service connection claim for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome was denied. His headaches were granted a 50% rating, and his bilateral plantar fasciitis was granted a 10% rating. However, he did not receive a compensable rating for his bilateral claw foot.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including reopening of previously denied claims for headaches and GERD, as well as seeking service connection for various disabilities. The rating assigned and effective dates are also being remanded.