Migraines & headaches decisions — 2020

The Veteran's headaches associated with TBI are rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating under DC 8100.,PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the claims of entitlement to an extraschedular rating for migraine headaches and TDIU due to additional evidence being relevant to these claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of entitlement to increased ratings for atypical migraine headaches, service connection for a right arm disability and thyroid condition due to insufficient medical opinions addressing the relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an eye disorder was dismissed because the condition was granted during the pendency of this appeal. The Board also remanded two issues: service connection for a neck or cervical spine disorder and service connection for sleeping problems, including obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depressive disorder, was first manifested on active duty service and is granted as service connected. The claim for osteoarthritis of the bilateral knees and tension headaches remains pending.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for increased ratings of PTSD, migraine headaches, tinnitus, and a scalp scar. The appeal regarding service connection for atrial fibrillation (claimed as ischemic heart disease) and skin cancer is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate medical opinions provided in prior decisions.,Specifically, the Board found that the VA examinations did not provide sufficient rationale for their negative nexus opinions and required additional examination with an addendum opinion.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for migraine headaches was denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 8100.

The Board has remanded the cases for further examination and opinion regarding service connection due to insufficient evidence in some areas.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches and dizziness, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his current condition and his military service. The preponderance of the evidence indicated that the Veteran had a history of these conditions prior to entering service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including migraine headaches, bilateral hearing loss, and foot conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted entitlement to TDIU based on the combined effect of these disabilities.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for headaches, neck disability, and back disability due to inadequate examination reports. The Veteran's heart disorder is denied as not related to service or a service-connected condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeals for additional development due to missing documents within the claims file, including additional evidentiary submissions or statements by the Veteran. The matter must be remanded in order to ensure compliance with the Board’s remand instructions.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for service-connected migraine headaches, finding that the Veteran's migraines are more nearly manifested by characteristic prostrating attacks occurring on an average of one in two months over the last several months.

Your claims for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and tension headaches have been granted. The appeal is dismissed as the benefits sought are no longer in dispute.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, and he is now entitled to benefits for a headache disorder, right hip disability, and irritable bowel syndrome. Additionally, his hearing loss has also been granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and headaches due to insufficient evidence. The appellant's attorney submitted private medical opinions indicating that his PTSD may aggravate his obstructive sleep apnea, but a VA examination is needed to determine if this relationship exists. For headaches, the examiner found them caused by multiple conditions including PTSD, sleep apnea, and hypertension, but more information is needed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for alopecia areata, dry scalp, chronic fatigue with headaches, and headaches due to unclear medical evidence regarding whether the dry scalp is a symptom of hair loss or a separate condition. The Board also found that a VA examination was necessary to determine if the Veteran’s headaches were related to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's initial rating for TBI residuals is denied as the highest level of impairment (1) does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's compensable rating for vascular headaches is denied due to less frequent prostrating attacks than required by the criteria.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than March 25, 2009 for the grant of a 40 percent rating for headaches status post head injury is granted.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for right wrist distal forearm fracture is denied.,The Veteran's claims for an effective date earlier than June 3, 2009 for the grant of service connection for right hand peripheral neuropathy and a rating in excess of 20 percent are remanded.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD with TBI is remanded.,The Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 40 percent for headaches status post head injury prior to August 5, 2019 and a rating in excess of 50 percent for post-traumatic migraine headaches beginning on August 12, 2019 are remanded.