Migraines & headaches decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, neck disability, left knee disability, bilateral pes planus, tonsil condition, and headaches are remanded due to new evidence received since the last final denial. The VA is directed to schedule the Veteran for examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and examination, including verification of service dates and obtaining medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected posttraumatic headaches are rated at 50 percent, the highest rating available under the applicable Diagnostic Code. This is due to very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks of pain that are productive of severe economic inadaptability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, fibromyalgia, and peripheral neuropathy/tingling in both hands due to incomplete examinations by the October 2018 examiner. The Veteran is not competent to provide an etiology opinion regarding her claimed disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection due to missing documentation from June 2016 to January 2020. The Veteran's original claims remain on appeal and need to be readjudicated with all relevant evidence included.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are currently rated at a noncompensable (0 percent) rating. The Board has granted an initial 30 percent disability rating for the Veteran's migraines, effective from the date of filing in this case.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, shingles, headaches, and a sleep disorder. The preponderance of the evidence does not establish a link between these conditions and his military service.,While the Veteran provided statements asserting he experienced symptoms related to these conditions during service, there is no credible supporting evidence that any in-service stressor occurred.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, as evidenced by his employment history and the lack of cooperation in obtaining information for his TDIU claim.

The Board has decided the claim for an initial rating for migraine headaches, granting a 50% disability rating. The claim for service connection for Lyme disease is remanded due to insufficient clinical evidence supporting its diagnosis.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinion regarding whether the Veteran's migraine headaches are caused or aggravated by his service-connected fracture of right zygomatic arch.

The Board has determined that additional evidentiary development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the Veteran’s claims for service connection due to conflicting medical opinions and lack of clear causation or aggravation. The AOJ should obtain medical opinions addressing the nature and etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disorder and headaches.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the claims for service connection for bilateral eye disorder and headache disorder are no longer before the Board as a full grant of benefits has been made.

The Veteran's initial compensable disability rating for musculoskeletal tension headaches is being remanded due to the need for a more contemporaneous medical examination and a supplemental opinion reconciling previous findings.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions. The TDIU claim is also inextricably intertwined with these issues.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and readjudication due to incomplete records and need for additional information regarding employment status.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches are currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is warranted due to worsening symptoms. The case is being remanded for further examination and consideration of the claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for migraines due to insufficient rationale in the VA examination and unclear frequency of prostrating attacks.

The Veteran's service connection claims for right knee disorder and migraine headaches have been granted. The Board found new evidence that raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claims, including testimony regarding in-service injuries and continuous symptoms since then.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for migraines, to include as secondary to PTSD, and for insomnia. The Board found no evidence of a current diagnosis of migraines or insomnia separate from her service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's cluster headaches have been granted a 50% rating effective May 15, 2017.,Service connection for kidney disease is remanded due to insufficient evidence.