Migraines & headaches decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate VA examinations that did not consider his reported in-service exposure to burn pits and other environmental hazards.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain medical records from Dr. Monahan and a legible copy of the December 2018 correspondence from Dr. Drummond, before these claims can be adjudicated.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives.

The Veteran's post-concussion, migraine, and tension headache disability is rated at 50 percent. The Veteran's PTSD is granted a permanent total disability rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a VA examination to clarify the Veteran's employment status and assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to work. The claim will be reconsidered based on the additional evidence.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, and a migraine headaches disorder as the evidence did not establish in-service incurrences or a link to active duty service.

The Board has remanded the claims for an increased rating for migraines and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The case will be returned to the Board after additional development.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 40 percent for the Veteran's post-concussive syndrome with dizziness (TBI) due to the presence of only mild impairment in one facet of cognitive impairment, resulting in a 40% disability evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for headaches, right knee disability, and left knee DJD due to additional evidence being added to his case file.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and he did not meet the criteria for burial benefits due to lack of evidence of an original or reopened claim for compensation.

The Board has remanded the claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to a lack of etiological opinions regarding whether the Veteran's hearing loss was caused or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities and/or prescribed medications.

The Board has remanded the claims due to new evidence not previously considered and for an addendum VA opinion regarding the Veteran's vertigo and nausea symptoms.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an equipment purchase of an adjustable king or queen size bed and ergonomic chair through the Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E) program, finding that such purchases were not necessary to achieve his independent living goal.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for low back disability, GERD, and migraine headaches due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The VA examiners were not satisfied with their previous opinions that did not adequately address the Veteran's lay statements about his ongoing symptoms.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his left foot fracture residuals is denied. The Veteran is granted TDIU as of November 30, 2015.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for left shoulder, right shoulder, back, and ring finger disabilities, as well as a headache disability. The issue of initial compensable rating for skin irritation is also being remanded.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition, including major depressive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, is granted as service connected.,The Veteran's migraine headaches are also granted as service connected.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for various disabilities due to incomplete records and the need for new nexus opinions. The Veteran's hearing loss is not compensable, but his other conditions remain under review.

The Veteran's left knee arthritis disability is granted a 20% rating, effective September 8, 2014. Other service connection claims are denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for sleep apnea and migraine headaches due to insufficient compliance with prior remand instructions. The Veteran must undergo VA examinations to assess his conditions, and an adequate medical opinion is needed on both claims.