Migraines & headaches decisions — 2020

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches and residuals of traumatic brain injury disabilities, which arise from the same etiology, satisfy the schedular criteria for TDIU as of January 24, 2014. The Board also found that prior to this date, his total disability rating did not meet the schedular criteria for entitlement to TDIU. The claim for extraschedular TDIU prior to January 24, 2014 is remanded.

The Board has withdrawn the issues of service connection for low testosterone and entitlement to an effective date earlier than June 20, 2013 for service connection for glaucoma. The remaining issues have been REMANDED for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of neck disorder, right knee condition secondary to left knee disability, and migraines have been granted. The right shoulder disorder claim has not met the criteria for reopening.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the Veteran's missing service medical records and conduct further examinations to address his claims for various joint, muscle, neurological, cardiovascular, hearing, and tinnitus conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction, migraines and tension headaches associated with TBI, and TBI were denied as the effective dates assigned are the earliest allowed by law.

The Veteran's migraine headaches were rated at a 50% evaluation from January 22, 2016. The Board found that the frequency and severity of her attacks during March 17, 2011 through January 21, 2016 was very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hysterectomy residuals, migraine headaches (including as secondary to hearing loss and hysterectomy), and SMC due to loss of use of a creative organ are being remanded for additional development.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for migraines and residuals of a head injury due to their potential impact on the TDIU claim. The Veteran's statements about his in-service head injury are considered sufficient to trigger an examination.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims for stomach disability, headaches, fibromyalgia, and muscle ache. However, further development is needed as the VA examiner did not provide a clear opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for erectile dysfunction, coronary artery disease, tension headaches secondary to PTSD, sleep apnea secondary to PTSD, and back disability was denied. The Veteran is granted service connection for these conditions with initial ratings assigned.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient medical opinions and need for further examination regarding his respiratory disorder, sleep apnea, headaches, sinusitis, rhinitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), conjunctivitis, fatigue, bilateral eye disorder, and reproductive organ disorder.

The Veteran's service connection claim for migraine headaches is granted as they are considered to have been incurred during active service.

The Veteran's claim for fibrocystic breast disorder is dismissed as she withdrew her appeal.,Service connection for residuals of a head injury (other than headaches) is denied. The Board found no evidence linking the current symptoms to service.,Service connection for right arm disability is denied. The VA examiner concluded there was no link between the Veteran's current condition and service.,Service connection for left knee disability is denied. The VA examiner determined that the Veteran’s current condition is more likely related to aging and normal wear and tear rather than service.,Service connection for residuals of a midline episiotomy is denied. There was no evidence linking the current condition to service.,Service connection for recurrent vaginitis is granted as it can be reasonably disassociated from her active duty service.,Service connection for chest pain and pressure is denied. The VA examiner found no link between the Veteran's current condition and service.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for psychiatric disorder, lumbar spine disability, migraine headaches, and Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome due to new evidence. The remaining issues are remanded for further review.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining or maintaining a substantially gainful occupation, and his unemployability is due to non-service-connected disorders.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and initial ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations, as well as for obtaining VA and private treatment records. The Veteran also needs a statement of the case issued regarding his migraine headaches and anxiety disorder claims.

The appeal for service connection for headaches has been dismissed.,The appeals seeking earlier effective dates for tinnitus and a 70% rating for bipolar I disorder and unspecified anxiety disorder have also been dismissed.,An initial rating greater than 10 percent for tinnitus, as well as ratings greater than 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, type II, and greater than 60 percent for CAD, have all been dismissed.

The Board has granted service connection for headaches as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected tinnitus.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates are being remanded due to the need for additional development.,The Veteran is also seeking service connection for a left shoulder disability, which remains in dispute.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as incurred in service, and her bipolar disorder is rated at the maximum allowable under VA guidelines.,Her migraine headaches are remanded for a new rating determination. The dry eye syndrome and back disability are also remanded for further evaluation.