Migraines & headaches decisions — 2020

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including an acquired psychiatric disability manifested by nervousness and depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, chest pain, a heart disability, hypertension, and headaches. The preponderance of the evidence did not support these claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to care for his daily needs, requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person. The Board finds that he needed assistance with all activities of daily living due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal before the Board could make a decision. The case is dismissed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings are remanded due to insufficient evidence of current disability severity. The Veteran is required to undergo VA examinations to assess his migraines, allergic rhinitis, low back disability, and liver condition.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia, left knee retropatellar syndrome with mild instability and decreased mobility, and migraine headaches are all granted. The effective dates for these grants are July 23, 2012.

Service connection granted for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, tinnitus, headaches, and sleep apnea.,PTSD rating denied as the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a 100% disability rating.

The Board denied attorney fees as the Veteran did not file an NOD for the service connection claims in December 2016 and March 2017 rating decisions.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination, as the provided VA opinions are insufficient to decide the claims. The Veteran's service connection claims for tinnitus, bilateral shoulder disorders, and migraine headaches will be reconsidered after a new examination is conducted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a back condition has been reopened and granted.,An initial compensable rating for allergic rhinitis is denied.,Service connection for headaches and CTS are both granted.,The issue of service connection for a back condition remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, with the exception of his claim for dizziness. The remaining conditions and issues are related to undiagnosed illnesses or chronic disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for right knee, left knee, unspecified headache, and cervical spine disabilities due to lack of evidence showing onset or relationship to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claim for residuals of a traumatic brain injury, including migraine headaches, is granted due to the evidence being at least in relative equipoise as to whether the Veteran incurred a TBI during active service and has current residuals thereof.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a head injury, including headaches and memory issues, is being remanded due to the need for further examination and medical opinion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a headache disability and acquired psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD and depressive disorder, as secondary to his service-connected traumatic brain injury (TBI). The reasons include unclear medical opinions and missing VA treatment records. A new examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, finding that there is no evidence linking his current condition to his military service or any service-connected conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for additional development and clarification of medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, memory loss, back disability, headache disability, and chronic fatigue syndrome. The issues include service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral hip and knee conditions due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran's lay statements indicate significant limitations, and a VA examiner provided an opinion linking early onset traumatic arthritis to the Veteran’s history of parachuting during service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for tension headaches associated with TBI, finding that his headaches do not rise to the level of prostrating attacks occurring one in two months over the last several months.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are not ready for final decision due to incomplete development, including obtaining additional medical records and clarifying the number of scars status post lumbar spine surgery. The case is being remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.,Additional examination is required to determine if the Veteran’s unspecified depressive disorder is related to his in-service exposure to Gulf War environmental hazards.,An additional VA examination is needed to assess whether the Veteran’s headaches are due to exposure to Gulf War environmental hazards, specifically being 'often' exposed to sand/dust and smoke from oil fire.,The Veteran's sleep disturbance (including sleep apnea and insomnia) claims require an additional VA examination to determine if they are related to his in-service exposure to Gulf War environmental hazards, specifically being 'often' exposed to sand/dust and smoke from oil fire.,An additional VA examination is needed to assess whether the Veteran’s athlete's foot is due to exposure to Gulf War environmental hazards, specifically being 'often' exposed to sand/dust and smoke from oil fire.,The Veteran's fibromyalgia with bilateral leg pain claims require an additional VA examination to determine if it is related to his in-service exposure to Gulf War environmental hazards, specifically being 'often' exposed to sand/dust and smoke from oil fire.,An additional VA examination is needed to assess whether the Veteran’s hypertension is due to exposure to Gulf War environmental hazards, specifically being 'often' exposed to sand/dust and smoke from oil fire.,The Veteran's right knee disability claims require an additional VA examination to determine if they are related to his in-service exposure to herbicide agents and/or Gulf War environmental hazards, specifically being 'often' exposed to sand/dust and smoke from oil fire.,The Veteran's left knee disability claims require an additional VA examination to determine if they are related to his in-service exposure to herbicide agents and/or Gulf War environmental hazards, specifically being 'often' exposed to sand/dust and smoke from oil fire.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability claims require an additional VA examination to determine if they are related to his in-service exposure to herbicide agents and/or Gulf War environmental hazards, specifically being 'often' exposed to sand/dust and smoke from oil fire.,The Veteran's skin rash on face and head claims require an additional VA examination to determine if it is due to exposure to Gulf War environmental hazards, specifically being 'often' exposed to sand/dust and smoke from oil fire.,An additional VA examination is needed to assess whether the Veteran’s gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is related to his in-service exposure to Gulf War environmental hazards, specifically being 'often' exposed to sand/dust and smoke from oil fire.