Migraines & headaches decisions — 2020

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance due to lack of evidence showing he is in need of regular aid and assistance as a result of his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for migraine headaches, increased ratings for PTSD and hypertension due to new evidence being added to the record.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent her from obtaining and maintaining a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for PTSD, migraine headaches, bilateral shoulder disabilities, calluses in the feet, and scars on the right shoulder are denied.,PTSD is currently rated at 70% under Diagnostic Code 9411. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as his symptoms do not warrant a 100% disability rating due to total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches are being remanded for a new examination to assess the current severity of his condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have any of the claimed conditions and finds no causal relationship between his current disabilities and service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection and increased ratings was granted, with a rating of 20 percent. Attorney fees are not awarded as the claim is not about service connection.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at the maximum schedular rating of 50 percent, which is the highest available. The VA examiner found that the Veteran’s migraines meet the criteria for a 50 percent evaluation due to their very frequent and prolonged attacks.,For cervical spine strain with mild spondylotic changes, the Veteran's condition is currently rated at 10 percent. The VA examination indicated that the Veteran does not have forward flexion of the cervical spine greater than 15 degrees or combined range of motion not greater than 170 degrees, which are required for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded several issues related to service connection for various conditions, including asthma, migraines, bilateral hip and knee disorders, a GI disorder, and IBS. The Veteran's claims are reopened due to new evidence received since the previous decisions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder and headaches, did not render him unemployable prior to November 17, 2015.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a TDIU, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to incomplete evidence and conflicting medical opinions.

The Veteran's back disability is now rated at 40 percent, effective April 30, 2013. Service connection for DDD and right lower extremity radiculopathy are granted.

The Board has remanded several issues, including the Veteran's claims for service connection for TBI residuals and special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance. The claims are being returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of being struck by lightning other than PVD, CVA, hypertension, constipation, and headaches, to include poor circulation in the arms and/or damage to most internal organs.

The appeals for service connection for bilateral cataracts, prostate cancer, and tinnitus have been dismissed.,Service connection has been granted for carpal tunnel syndrome of the left upper extremity and right upper extremity.

The Veteran's dementia claim is denied as there is no current diagnosis of dementia.,PTSD with depression service connection is granted based on a diagnosed PTSD and credible supporting evidence that the claimed in-service stressor occurred during active duty in Southwest Asia.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied as new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claims. The Board found that no new and material evidence was submitted to reopen any of the original claims.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable rating of migraine headaches prior to March 22, 2013, and a rating in excess of 50 percent thereafter is dismissed. The claim of entitlement to an increased rating for spongiotic dermatitis with history of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is remanded.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including arteriosclerotic heart disease, a headache condition, an upper left arm disability, and a left chest disability. The AOJ is instructed to verify the veteran's periods of active duty, ACDUTRA, and INACDUTRA, and schedule VA examinations to determine the etiology of these conditions.