Migraines & headaches decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for initial ratings for migraine headaches, PTSD, and left shoulder tendonitis are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his Social Security Administration (SSA) records.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and medical opinions.,The claim for sleep apnea is being remanded as there was insufficient consideration of the Veteran’s in-service symptoms and post-deployment treatment history, along with his current testimony about gasping for air during sleep.,The claim for headaches is being remanded due to the lack of a clear opinion regarding whether the Veteran's headaches are related to Gulf War service or an undiagnosed illness.,The claim for allergic rhinitis is being remanded because there was no examination addressing the potential link between the condition and Gulf War service.

The Veteran's TBI residuals are currently rated at 70 percent, effective July 14, 2012.,An earlier effective date of July 14, 2012, is granted for the award of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has granted service connection for chronic migraines, finding that the Veteran's headaches began during his military service and have continued since then. The decision is based on the Veteran's credible lay statements of symptoms from active duty.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a cervical spine disability, GERD, erectile dysfunction, headaches, and an acquired psychiatric disability due to additional development being needed. The Veteran's representative argues that these disabilities are related to his now service-connected sleep apnea.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for major depressive disorder. The issue of service connection for headaches is remanded.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection of migraines, as secondary to PTSD, due to insufficient evidence in the VA examination report.

The Veteran's joint and muscle pain, including as due to undiagnosed illness or other qualifying chronic disability pursuant to 38 C.F.R. § 3.317, is not service-connected.,The Veteran's headaches are not service-connected.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for the following issues: whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD; rating in excess of 30 percent for migraine headaches; and total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and remanded the claims of service connection for a headache disorder and TDIU. The case is being returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Veteran's claims for migraine disability, loss of two fingertips of the left hand, right ear tinnitus, and right ear hearing loss have all been denied as there is no credible evidence linking these conditions to service.,There are no medical records showing any complaints or diagnoses related to these conditions during or shortly after service.

The Veteran's VR&E services request for pursuit of a Juris Doctor (J.D.) is remanded due to the need for further evaluation considering his specific interests and abilities.

The Veteran's headaches are related to his in-service headaches and service-connected sinusitis, and the Board has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's initial rating for a headache disability is denied, but he is granted a 30 percent rating for insomnia disorder with TBI. The Board has ordered additional VA examinations for the remaining issues.

The Veteran's headaches are rated at a 50 percent disability rating, and he is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete development of records and insufficient nexus opinions under relevant regulations.

The Veteran's claims for various conditions, including TBI residuals and PTSD, are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for headaches and a lumbar spine disorder due to insufficient evidence in their favor.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a low back condition, right foot condition, and chronic headache condition due to exposure to hydraulic fluid. The Veteran's representative requested information about the competency of VA examiners in June 2018.

The Veteran's left ear mastoiditis, cervical spine degenerative disc disease (cervical spine disability), right upper extremity radiculopathy, and tension headaches have been granted. The Veteran's service connection for right ear hearing loss and right upper extremity radiculopathy secondary to cervical spine disability are remanded.