Migraines & headaches decisions — 2020

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, headache disorder, and vision disorder as these conditions are not shown to be related to service or service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and headache disability, to include as secondary to a cervical spine disability with radiculopathy, are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for TBI, headaches, and vertigo due to lack of medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a MUCMI (medically unexplained, chronic multi-symptom illness) manifesting as dizziness and loss of balance, diarrhea, and migraines is granted. The Board found that the Veteran has objective indications of a qualifying chronic disability due to Gulf War exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected tension headaches are rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating available.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a head injury, headaches, cervical spine disability, and left shoulder disability due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's attorney requested to withdraw the appeal due to a correct calculation of past-due benefits, and the Board dismissed the case as a result.

The Veteran's migraines are caused by his service-connected left shoulder strain and degenerative arthritis, status post rotator cuff repair with residuals. The Veteran does not have a separate nerve condition or muscle condition of the left shoulder. Service connection for nerve conditions of the neck is remanded due to lack of a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant due to their impact on his upper and lower extremities, as they do not result in loss of use of both upper or lower extremities.

The Board has restored the ratings for the Veteran's service-connected migraine headache disability and unspecified depressive disorder from 0% to their original levels of 30% and 50%, respectively, due to procedural flaws in the reduction process.

The Board has determined that there is new and relevant evidence submitted by the Veteran, warranting readjudication of her claims for service connection for migraine headaches and bilateral knee pain. The claims are now remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The appeal of the rating for tinnitus is dismissed.,The claim for restoration of the 10 percent evaluation for left knee instability, effective June 24, 2015, is granted.,New and material evidence has been received to reopen the previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for right hand and wrist arthritis.,New and material evidence has been received to reopen the previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for migraine headaches.,New and material evidence has been received to reopen the previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for insomnia and sleeplessness.,New and material evidence has been received to reopen the previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions including pancreatic disorder, chronic fatigue syndrome, low back disorder, bilateral hand and knee disorders, antiphospholipid syndrome, fibromyalgia, obstructive sleep apnea, headaches, and diabetes mellitus. The evidence did not support a nexus to service.

The Veteran's headaches were rated at a maximum of 10 percent prior to April 7, 2014. From that date, the Veteran was granted a 30 percent rating for his headaches.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss and tinnitus claims are denied as there is no evidence of a current disability, and the Board finds that these conditions are not related to service.,The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (claimed as sleep condition) and headaches have been granted as secondary to his service-connected unspecified depressive disorder.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial rating for migraine headaches is dismissed. The appeal for an earlier effective date for service connection of migraine headaches is denied as the earliest possible effective date is July 13, 2016.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability during the appeal period.,Service connection for a skin condition was also denied due to lack of in-service complaints or treatment and insufficient medical opinion linking the current condition to service.

The Veteran's headache disorder is granted as service connected, with the Board finding that the condition began during his active duty service.

The Board has denied service connection for a psychiatric disorder, joint pain, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), headaches, and sleep disorder. The issues of service connection for these conditions are mixed as some were granted while others were not.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the percentage requirements for a TDIU, and his occupational impact due to his psychiatric disability prevents him from performing gainful employment.