Migraines & headaches decisions — 2020

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a headache disorder, finding that there is no evidence linking his current headaches to any in-service event or injury.

The Veteran's service connection for left foot hallux valgus, right foot hallux valgus, and hypertension on a secondary basis to his service-connected sinusitis is granted. However, the Veteran's claims for increased ratings of chronic sinusitis and allergic rhinitis are denied.

The Veteran's service connection claims for a headache disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood) have been denied as there is no evidence of in-service causation or continuity of symptomatology.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at a 30 percent disability rating, effective from the date of this decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of a left ankle disability, tendonitis of the left hip, and a left hand disability are remanded. The TDIU claim is granted effective January 1, 2011.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for total disability due to individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to February 1, 2006. The Veteran's self-employment was not marginal employment and his service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment prior to that date.

The appeal for service connection for Bell’s palsy and a periodontal disability has been dismissed.,The appeals for service connection for cervical spine degenerative arthritis, lumbar spine degenerative disc disease with degenerative arthritis, chronic dizziness, migraine headaches, dyspareunia, cervicitis, a cervical cyst, post coital bleeding, dysmenorrhea, and right wrist metacarpal fracture residuals have been remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and headaches due to inadequate medical opinions in the original decision. A new VA examination is needed.

The Board has granted the reopening of the claim for service connection for headaches, but denied the claim itself due to lack of evidence showing a link between the condition and service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's headaches, finding that they are secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for traumatic brain injury (TBI), described as headaches, dizziness, and concentration problems. The evidence did not support a finding of current disability related to service.

The Board has determined that there was not substantial compliance with previous remand directives and requires a new medical opinion to address the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected sinusitis and his migraine headaches.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining a VA medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's migraine headaches and whether service-connected tinnitus aggravates his migraines.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine if a headache disability is related to service or service-connected PTSD with traumatic brain injury residuals, and whether the PTSD residuals have aggravated any headaches.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for a neck disability, spinal fusion (claimed as low back disorder), and headaches due to the failure to schedule VA examinations. The Veteran's claims are being returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Veteran's cubital tunnel syndrome of the right elbow is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds that it does not warrant a higher rating.,The Veteran's headaches are currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that they do not warrant a higher rating.,The Veteran's lumbar spinal stenosis with DDD is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that it does not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral shoulder disabilities and a headache disability due to inadequate medical opinions in prior decisions. The Veteran's lay statements regarding his in-service falls are considered, as well as VA treatment records and other evidence.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are currently rated at 30 percent, but the Board has granted a 50 percent rating for very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to February 13, 2020, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's right knee strain is not found to be related to her service-connected left hip bursitis and is denied.,The Veteran's migraines are not found to be related to her service-connected asthma or asthma medications and are denied.