Migraines & headaches decisions — 2019

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an effective date prior to February 1, 2015, for the start of payment of disability compensation based on his service-connected disabilities. The effective date of the grants of service connection was January 1, 2015, but actual payment began on February 1, 2015.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for sleep apnea and migraine headaches due to incomplete compliance with previous remands. Specifically, additional VA treatment records from before 1998 need to be obtained, and in-person examinations by a medical professional are required.

The Veteran's chronic migraine headaches are rated at 50 percent, the highest available rating under VA guidelines.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for tension headaches prior to August 27, 2015 is denied.,An initial disability rating of 50 percent or higher for tension headaches from August 27, 2015 is granted.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, sinusitis, allergies, a headache disability, and a respiratory disability (to include latent Tuberculosis) have all been denied as they are not supported by evidence showing service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to January 1, 2011 for TDIU as his service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are found to have caused his obesity, which in turn caused his diabetes mellitus. The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise that the Veteran’s diabetes mellitus is secondary to his service-connected disabilities and grants service connection for diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for left eye disorder with chronic headaches, finding that there was no credible evidence of a current disability or etiology related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, headaches, sleep apnea, and tinnitus has been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. However, no service connection is granted as there is no current disability found for any of these conditions.,An effective date earlier than January 11, 2016 for the grant of service connection for tinnitus is denied.

The Veteran's headaches had their onset in service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition. The remaining issues on appeal are remanded as further examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's residuals of a head injury, right leg disability, and left leg disability are related to his period of service.

The Board has vacated its October 2018 decision, which denied higher rating and earlier effective date for award of service connection for sinus headaches; and denied the appeal for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea. The case is now remanded to determine if there are any new or material evidence that could support reopening the claims.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and migraine headaches, finding that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether these conditions had their onset during military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient opinions regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is aggravated by his service-connected fibromyalgia, PTSD and/or sinusitis.

The Board has remanded several claims for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and verifying the Veteran's alleged herbicide exposure during service.

The Board has denied an initial compensable rating for headaches prior to March 30, 2015 and granted a 30 percent disability rating since then. The Veteran's TBI claim is remanded due to the lack of a VA examination. His TDIU claim is also remanded as he did not submit a formal application.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for migraine headaches, thoracolumbar strain, and cervical strain are remanded due to inadequate examinations.

The Veteran's current chronic headaches are related to an injury he sustained in service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of current disability.,Service connection is granted for residuals of a left radial styloid fracture due to in-service injury.,An acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, and other specified depressive disorder, is being remanded for further development.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a sleep disorder is remanded as the nature and etiology need clarification.,Fatigue is also being remanded due to lack of evidence regarding its cause.,Headaches are being remanded for clarification on their nature and potential relationship with psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for various conditions, including a right knee disorder and residuals of neck injury, as secondary to service-connected disabilities, have been dismissed due to the appellant requesting withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension due to a lack of current diagnosis and no evidence linking it to his active service.,The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, bilateral ankle disability, bilateral hip disability, bilateral knee disability, acquired psychiatric disability (to include PTSD), and sleep disorder.