Migraines & headaches decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are remanded due to the need for updated medical records, examinations, and development of his TDIU claim.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a chronic headache disorder for additional development.

The Veteran's initial ratings for various knee and shoulder disabilities, as well as his headache disability, have been granted. The right knee disability was initially rated at 10 percent prior to February 1, 2012, then upgraded to 30 percent since April 1, 2013 due to the need for a total knee replacement. For the left knee, he received a 30 percent rating from July 29, 2019 onwards, with limitations on extension and flexion. The right shoulder disability was initially rated at 20 percent prior to July 29, 2019, then upgraded to 40 percent since that date. For the left shoulder, he received a 30 percent rating from August 22, 2019 onwards. His headaches were initially denied but granted with a 30 percent rating starting February 15, 2018.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims for service connection, including cervical spine disability, right and left hip disabilities, left wrist and elbow disabilities, psychiatric disability, sleep disability, and gastrointestinal disability. The effective dates for service connection are also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to outstanding private treatment records and a need for additional VA examinations.

The Veteran's tension headaches are rated at 50 percent prior to December 6, 2018. The Board also granted entitlement to TDIU for the period prior to November 13, 2013.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for Traumatic Brain Injury and Migraine Disorder, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability related to active duty service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to April 10, 2019.

The Board dismissed the appeals for increased ratings of service-connected migraines and PTSD with MDD, opioid use disorder, and TBI residuals because the Veteran died during the appeal process.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of various conditions as the Veteran died during the appeal process.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability. The left knee and acquired psychiatric disorder issues are remanded, as is the migraine headache issue.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's current diagnosis of chronic migraine headaches is not due to an in-service injury, specifically trauma to the right side of his head. The case is being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is granted a 70 percent evaluation, effective from the date of this decision. The other issues are remanded for further review.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate medical opinion and a need for further development regarding the Veteran's headache condition.

The Veteran's tension headaches and right foot disorder have been granted increased ratings, with the tension headaches receiving a maximum rating of 50% from March 7, 2019 onwards. The right foot disorder is rated at 30% since September 24, 2005.

The Board denied service connection for headaches, vision loss, residuals of a concussion, malaria, and shrapnel injury to the back of the neck due to lack of credible evidence supporting these claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for migraine headaches, finding that there is no evidence linking the disorder to service or a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for headache disability and acquired psychiatric disability (including MDD) are being remanded due to issues with obtaining medical records and the need for an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of any acquired psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claims of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizoaffective disorder, PTSD and dysthymic disorder; chronic sinusitis residual to maxillary nasal polyps; obstructive sleep apnea; migraine headaches; and vertigo were granted. The criteria for these conditions are met.