Migraines & headaches decisions — 2020

The Veteran's current headaches did not begin in service and are not related to service. The Board denied service connection for a headache disorder.

The Veteran's claims for hypertension, low back disorder, and migraine headaches were denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or that any such conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's headache disorder (migraines) is related to his service-connected cervical spine condition, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraines was granted with an effective date of January 4, 2019. This is the earliest possible effective date as it comes after the initial denial in October 2017 and within one year of her resubmitted claim on January 4, 2019.

The Veteran's headaches were rated at 50% from September 19, 2018 to August 5, 2019 and at 30% beginning August 6, 2019. The effective dates for the initial ratings of 30%, 10%, and 20% were granted on July 18, 2017 for chronic heartburn with stomach bloating and diarrhea, asthma, and cervical spine radiculopathy respectively. The Veteran's CFS was restored to a 20% rating effective August 6, 2019.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including right knee arthritis, left shoulder arthritis, and lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, were denied as the evidence did not support a finding of in-service incurrence or aggravation of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher rating for his painful scar on the left forehead or disfiguring scar on the left forehead, as there is no evidence of more than one scar with instability or pain, or visible or palpable tissue loss and either gross distortion or asymmetry of one feature or paired set of features. The Veteran's migraines are not manifested by very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.,The Veteran does not have a current disability of heart disease, high blood pressure, prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction, GERD, back disability, left carpal tunnel syndrome, or right carpal tunnel syndrome. The evidence does not establish exposure to Agent Orange. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50 percent since October 30, 2012.,The Veteran is granted a TDIU effective from the date of claim (October 30, 2012).

The Board has denied service connection for a right elbow condition due to the lack of evidence of current disability.,The Board has remanded cases involving neck condition, headaches, lactose intolerance, thymus gland removal, and digestive issues for additional development.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for residuals of traumatic brain injury prior to April 3, 2009 was denied. From that date onwards, the Veteran's TBI residuals were rated as noncompensable.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD based on MST and depression have been granted.,The Veteran's claim for insomnia has also been granted.

Service connection for a migraine headache condition and scar on the forehead, residual to head injury is granted. Initial disability ratings higher than 20 percent for right and left lower extremity radiculopathies are denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches, finding that his current condition is at least in equipoise with the aggravation of his headaches by his service-connected tinnitus.

The Board has previously found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities may warrant SMC for aid and attendance. However, a remand is required to determine if he meets the criteria for such benefits due to his need for regular aid and assistance.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted entitlement to TDIU on both schedular and extra-schedular grounds.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional evidence to be considered, including VA treatment records and private medical records. The Veteran is given a year to provide any additional relevant information or evidence.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, migraine headaches, and an acquired psychiatric disorder as the evidence did not support a nexus to service.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for blurred vision of the right eye, left eye glaucoma, and migraines due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional examinations and the unavailability of his service treatment records.

The Board has remanded the cases of bilateral hearing loss disability and migraine headaches for additional development. The Veteran's service connection claims are pending.