Migraines & headaches decisions — 2019

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for acute sinusitis and tension headaches, but has remanded them due to a lack of medical opinion regarding their etiology.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for residuals of a left lower extremity amputation and remanded all other claims on appeal.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to his service-connected disabilities, including TDIU and evaluations for various conditions. The Board has determined that these issues are inextricably intertwined with the issue of TDIU and has therefore remanded all matters.

The Veteran's left oophorectomy and total abdominal hysterectomy have been rated appropriately based on the maximum allowable schedular ratings.,The Veteran’s migraine headaches are currently rated as noncompensable, with no evidence of characteristic prostrating attacks.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for migraines and anemia (B12 deficiency) due to inadequate medical opinions in the February 2018 VA examinations. The Veteran is required to provide additional evidence, obtain outstanding VA records, and be provided with a new examination.

The Veteran's migraine headaches and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) to include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have been granted initial ratings of 30 percent, effective February 15, 2015.,However, the Veteran's service connection for PTSD remains pending as it was not addressed in previous decisions.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss is denied. The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for headaches due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for posttraumatic migraine headaches and concussion residuals are granted with effective dates of August 19, 1970.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches and a lumbar spine disorder, finding that there is no evidence of chronic conditions in service or within presumptive periods, and that any current diagnoses are not related to service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection due to lack of new and material evidence, resulting in a denial.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50% since October 20, 2008. The Board found that the Veteran has very frequent and severe prostrating attacks of migraines without medication, warranting a 50% rating.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at the maximum schedular rating of 50%.,The Veteran's asthma is currently rated at 30%, and no higher, due to his condition not meeting criteria for a higher rating based on FEV-1 or use of systemic corticosteroids.,The Veteran's IVDS with degenerative arthritis is rated at the maximum schedular rating of 20%.

The Board denied the petitions to reopen claims for service connection for residuals of a back injury, spina bifida, and migraine headaches due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal is not about service connection at all, but rather about rating decisions and remands for additional examinations or evidence. The appeals are related to his headaches, PTSD, right wrist overuse syndrome, left wrist overuse syndrome, and central serous retinopathy with diplopia.

The appeal for service connection of tension and migraine headaches is dismissed, while the appeal seeking a compensable initial rating for TBI from March 14, 2016 to May 8, 2018 remains denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and medical opinions related to his TDIU claim. The Board will then reassess the claims.

The Board has restored the Veteran's 30 percent disability evaluation for post-traumatic headaches, finding that the reduction from 30 to 0 percent was improper due to insufficient evidence of improvement in the Veteran's condition.

Service connection for a lumbar spine herniated disc disability is granted. The appeal seeking service connection for left Achilles tendonitis is dismissed. From April 21, 2010, a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted. Issues related to increased ratings and secondary service connection are remanded.

The Veteran's headache disorder is found to be related to service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection related to residuals of a right foot fracture, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, right shoulder glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis, recurrent dislocation, and tension headaches have been remanded due to the need for further development.,No effective date was assigned as the issues are still under review.