Migraines & headaches decisions — 2020

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including TBI with depressive disorder NOS and PTSD, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has determined that the combined effects of his service-connected conditions make it impossible for him to work.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and initial rating have been remanded due to the need for additional evidence, including updated medical records, personnel records, and verification of in-service events.

The Veteran's claims for left elbow, bilateral hand, chronic fatigue syndrome, and chronic headaches disabilities have been denied as there is no current evidence of a disability or objective indications of an undiagnosed illness.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen claims for bilateral hearing loss, dextroscoliosis and discogenic disease, lumbar spine, headaches, and a neck condition. The claims are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

Service connection is granted for carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, and migraine headaches.,The Veteran's CTS, fibromyalgia, and migraines are all found to have onset during service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities, finding that her service-connected conditions did not render her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's neck pain and headaches. The VA is required to provide a new opinion from an examiner to determine if these conditions are at least as likely as not related to service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, and the Board dismissed the case due to lack of active appeals.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine was denied as his disability did not result in ankylosis or limitation of motion that would warrant a higher evaluation.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for headaches was denied because he did not experience characteristic prostrating attacks, which is required for a 10% or higher rating under the applicable diagnostic code.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and ensuring the Veteran's complete TDIU application is on file.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a headache disorder and skin disability of the back due to inadequate medical opinions and lack of adequate rationale in the prior VA examinations.

The Veteran's initial evaluation for cervicogenic headaches was granted at a 20 percent rating, effective from the date of the Board decision (August 6, 2020).,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD service connection was denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a headache disability, finding that there is no evidence of a chronic headache issue during or after service and noting conflicting medical opinions. The preponderance of evidence does not support the claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a sleep disability, dizziness, and headaches. The Board found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or any service-connected disabilities.,The Board also noted that the Veteran’s current diagnoses of obstructive sleep apnea, peripheral vertigo, and headache disorder were not related to his in-service complaints or treatment.

The Veteran's initial compensable disability evaluation for migraine headaches is granted at a 30 percent rating, effective from the date of decision. The condition is determined to be productive of prostrating attacks.

The Board has determined that the overpayment of $6,990 was validly created due to a change in dependent status and the Veteran's failure to apply for spousal benefits. The appeal is denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction and numbness of fingertips (neurological symptoms). The claim for GERD is remanded due to a lack of recent treatment records. Headaches are also remanded, as the Veteran was referred to outside neurology. Joint pain is remanded because the examiner did not establish a link between current joint pain and service.,The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction and numbness of fingertips (neurological symptoms). The claim for GERD is remanded due to a lack of recent treatment records. Headaches are also remanded, as the Veteran was referred to outside neurology. Joint pain is remanded because the examiner did not establish a link between current joint pain and service.

The Veteran's headaches are rated as 10 percent disabling from November 1, 2012, and as 50 percent disabling starting from September 21, 2016. The claims for higher ratings for his lumbar spine and sciatic nerve radiculopathies are remanded.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are characterized by very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability, warranting a 50 percent rating. The Veteran's TBI claim is remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling an examination. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for sleep apnea is being remanded as the date of claim is not clear.,A 30% rating has been granted for migraine headaches, effective from September 4, 2018.