Migraines & headaches decisions — 2020

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection and rated at 10 percent.,The Veteran's tension headaches are granted a rating of 50 percent, the maximum available under Diagnostic Code 8100.,The Veteran's TBI is denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent.,The Veteran's arthritis of the left ankle is denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent.,The Veteran's arthritis of the spine remains remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, bilateral achilles bursitis, neck injury, bilateral wrist pain, and leg length discrepancy have all been denied. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence did not support a finding that any of these conditions began during active duty or were otherwise related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.

The Veteran's neurocognitive disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, and his posttraumatic headaches are not compensably rated. The VA has remanded these issues for further review.

The Veteran's headaches, which are rated at 50 percent disabling, have been established as a separate condition from his need for regular aid and attendance due to his cognitive disorder. Therefore, he is now eligible for SMC at the intermediate rate.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions including back, migraine headaches, vertigo, PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, right foot condition, and left foot condition due to lack of current diagnoses.

The Veteran's migraines are not considered prostrating, and therefore do not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating.

The Board has remanded several claims for further development, including obtaining medical opinions and treatment records to address the Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient development and examination findings. The issues include back and joint pain, headaches, and numbness in bilateral arms with tremors.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 30 percent for post-concussive headaches was denied due to his failure to report for a VA examination scheduled in conjunction with the claim.

The Veteran's claims for an increased disability rating for migraine headaches and TDIU are remanded due to incomplete compliance with prior Board directives regarding the submission of medical records.

The Board has determined that more development is needed in the form of additional medical examinations and opinions for the Veteran's claims regarding tension headaches, respiratory condition, and right knee disability. The appeals are being remanded to allow for this further evaluation.

The Veteran's right foot disability and migraine headaches have been granted service connection, but an effective date prior to January 22, 2016 is denied. The rating for the right foot disability remains at 20 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for migraine headaches and residuals of a concussion were granted effective November 30, 2007. The appeals for an earlier effective date are denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected. The issues of hypertension and headaches secondary to service-connected psychiatric disability are also granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding his service-connected disabilities, as well as for potential new evidence related to hearing loss, sciatica, and respiratory disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, and headaches.,The Veteran was not shown to have current disabilities for these conditions as defined by VA regulations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding her periods of active duty and their relation to her claimed conditions. The issues are related to left foot bunion, esophageal reflux, TMJ disorder, sinusitis, headaches, and dizziness.

Service connection granted for PTSD. OSA rated at 50%. Headaches restored to 50% from May 1, 2017 and loss of smell rating restored to 10% from February 1, 2017. Major depressive disorder with TBI remains at 70%, but TBI is separately rated.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for residuals of extropia, status post bilateral lateral rectus resection and a TDIU rating due to outstanding treatment records not being associated with the claims file. The Veteran needs to provide VA Form 21-8940 for his service-connected eye disability and any claimed residuals at private providers. Additionally, all SSA documents related to his disability benefits claim should be obtained.

The Veteran's headaches are being remanded due to the need for a medical opinion on whether they were caused or aggravated by his service-connected major depressive disorder.