Migraines & headaches decisions — 2020

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed because her Notice of Disagreement (NOD) did not clearly identify the specific issues she wanted to appeal.

The Board has found that new and relevant evidence was presented to warrant readjudication of the claim for service connection for headaches. The claims for sleep apnea and an acquired psychiatric disorder are also remanded due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are service-connected as they were incurred during his active duty in Afghanistan.

The Veteran's appeal for TDIU prior to August 21, 2015 is dismissed as the AOJ granted entitlement to TDIU based on psychiatric disability alone with an effective date of August 21, 2015. The issues of service connection for headaches and initial evaluation for bilateral eye injury are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for a skin disorder of the bilateral ankles. The issues of service connection for left varicocele and headache disorder are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for back, right hip, left hip, acquired psychiatric, headache, and skin disabilities due to a lack of evidence showing that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for headaches was dismissed as she requested withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for right ankle degenerative joint disease and surgical scars prior to October 15, 2019, as well as his TBI with posttraumatic headaches, scalp scar, and photophobia, was dismissed. The Veteran is granted an initial 10 percent rating for his TBI.

The appeal is denied as a timely substantive appeal was not received within the required timeframe. Effective dates for service connection are set, and some issues remain remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeals to reopen claims of service connection for kidney stone disease and migraine headaches, finding no new and material evidence that relates these conditions to his service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for TBI, headaches, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities due to inadequate medical opinions. The issues are inextricably intertwined with the decision on TBI.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate VA examination and treatment records, requiring further development including obtaining additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's service connection claim for Bipolar Disorder is granted. Claims for Personality Disorder, Depressive Disorder, Headaches, Sleep Apnea, and Hypertension are denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating for right knee chondromalacia, service connection for headaches and COPD have all been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher evaluation for his right knee condition or service connection for his claimed conditions.

The Veteran was granted a rating of 70 percent for PTSD from October 16, 2008 to March 14, 2010.,PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent since October 30, 2009.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder and migraine headaches are related to his military service, particularly due to stressors experienced during active duty. As such, the claims for these conditions have been granted.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and medical opinions to address the nature and etiology of the Veteran's cervical spine condition and headache condition, as well as their relationship to service.

The Veteran's initial rating for headaches was granted at a 50% level prior to March 13, 2017. From that date forward, the maximum schedular evaluation of 50% has been assigned. The appeal is remanded due to the need for clarification on the Veteran's employment history and earnings.

The Board has denied service connection for low back disability and remanded the issue of secondary service connection for headaches. The case is now being returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is remanded as the VA Form 21-8940 was not submitted, and further development is needed.