Migraines & headaches decisions — 2019

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for hypertension and the low back disability were dismissed. The claims for service connection for urinary disorder, bowel disorder, and headaches secondary to the low back disability were all denied.

The Veteran's appeal regarding a disability rating greater than 50 percent for PTSD with MDD and alcohol use disorder has been dismissed.,Service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, wrists, back, knees, ankles, headaches, and muscle disorder is reopened based on new evidence.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a head trauma resulting in a brain cyst, headaches, cognitive disorder to include memory loss, and bipolar symptoms. The evidence did not establish that the arachnoid cyst was related to service.

The Veteran's initial 30 percent rating for migraine headaches is granted, with the condition being rated based on its direct service connection without any presumption or secondary linkage to a pre-existing condition.

The Veteran's right knee and low back disabilities are being remanded as the VA examiners did not adequately address whether they were caused or aggravated by his service-connected left knee disability.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is being remanded to determine if he has a current hearing loss disability, and its likely etiology.,The Veteran's tinnitus is being remanded to determine its likely etiology, including whether it was incurred in service.,The Veteran's psychiatric disabilities are being remanded as the VA examiners did not adequately address his request for treatment during service or any head injury therein.,The Veteran's TBI and migraine headaches are being remanded to determine their likely etiology.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues, including some that have been withdrawn. The remaining issues are related to service connection for various conditions and rating of disabilities such as right foot fracture residuals, TBI with headaches, low back disability, bilateral lower extremity neuropathy, left wrist disability, and bilateral upper extremity neuropathy.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at a maximum of 50 percent, which is the highest rating available under VA regulations. The Board found that her condition met the criteria for very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.

The Veteran's increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine and tension headaches are remanded due to the need for new examinations.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for her left wrist and thumb scars was remanded. The Board found that the scars, which were linear and stable prior to November 2016, resulted in two painful scars measuring less than 39 square centimeters from November 18, 2016 onwards, warranting a 10% rating.

The Veteran's claims for left hand disability, lower extremity vascular disease, and residuals of fracture of the left little finger were denied. The Veteran was granted a non-compensable rating for pilonidal cyst scars and a compensable rating (10%) for migraine headaches prior to November 16, 2016. However, his claim for increased ratings for right wrist disability after that date is denied.,The Veteran's claims for lower extremity vascular disease and residuals of fracture of the left little finger were denied. The Veteran was granted a non-compensable rating for pilonidal cyst scars and a compensable rating (10%) for migraine headaches prior to November 16, 2016. However, his claim for increased ratings for right wrist disability after that date is denied.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for skin cancer, an initial disability rating higher than 30 percent for migraines, whether severance of service connection for migraines was proper, and TDIU. The VA will review additional medical records and provide supplemental statements of the case as needed.

The Veteran's hypertension and left knee disability were denied, but a separate rating for left knee instability was granted. The Veteran's migraine headaches and bilateral foot disability are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for headaches due to outstanding VA treatment records and an additional examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's fibromyalgia, which is claimed as a result of exposure to environmental hazards during service in the Persian Gulf War.

The Veteran's headaches are rated at 50% since February 2, 2016. He is also granted TDIU effective from February 2, 2016.

The Board has granted service connection for a TMJ disorder with dislocation, subluxation, arthritis, and bruxism with headaches as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected mandibular osteotomy.

The Veteran's sleep apnea, acquired psychiatric disorder (persistent depressive disorder), and headache disability are all granted as service-connected.,Diabetes mellitus, type II, hypertension, hernia disability, lower back pinched nerve disability, lumbar spine disability, arthritis, right lower extremity disability (chronic lymphedema), and left lower extremity disability are denied as not being related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations and opinions to determine the current severity of his bilateral hearing loss, chronic headaches, acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD), and right eye condition. The Board will also consider service connection claims.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for TBI and migraines due to a lack of medical examination, as well as the need to consider the credibility of the Veteran's testimony regarding in-service head injuries.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the claims related to TBI, migraine headaches, right knee disability, right leg shin splints, numbness and tremors of upper and lower extremities, heat sensitivity, and vision problems. The Veteran's service records indicate exposure to heat stroke during his military service.