Migraines & headaches decisions — 2020

The Veteran's pes planus of the right and left feet, as well as his tension headaches with migraine variants, are all granted service connection.,Service connection is established for pes planus of both feet due to worsening during service.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected, but her left ear hearing loss and issues related to low back strain, migraines, umbilical hernia, and uterine fibroids are denied.

The Veteran's service connection claims for chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, heart condition, hypertension, right arm shaking (Gulf War Syndrome), left arm shaking (Gulf War Syndrome), dizziness, pain/tenderness on jaw, cheek bones and forehead (myalgia), headaches, sinusitis, non-allergic vasomotor rhinitis, PTSD with associated depression and anxiety, right shoulder pain, left shoulder pain, trochanteric pain syndrome of the right hip, trochanteric pain syndrome of the left hip, degenerative arthritis of the right knee, degenerative arthritis of the left knee, degenerative arthritis of the right ankle with ankle strain and calcaneal spur, left ankle strain, cervical spondylosis, lumbosacral strain, erectile dysfunction (Gulf War Syndrome), and tonsillitis have all been denied.,The Veteran's service connection claims for chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, heart condition, hypertension, right arm shaking (Gulf War Syndrome), left arm shaking (Gulf War Syndrome), dizziness, pain/tenderness on jaw, cheek bones and forehead (myalgia), headaches, sinusitis, non-allergic vasomotor rhinitis, PTSD with associated depression and anxiety, right shoulder pain, left shoulder pain, trochanteric pain syndrome of the right hip, trochanteric pain syndrome of the left hip, degenerative arthritis of the right knee, degenerative arthritis of the left knee, degenerative arthritis of the right ankle with ankle strain and calcaneal spur, left ankle strain, cervical spondylosis, lumbosacral strain, erectile dysfunction (Gulf War Syndrome), and tonsillitis have all been denied.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for TBI, neck spine disorder, neuropathy/radiculopathy of the arms, migraine headaches, and impaired vision is granted. However, his claim for bilateral hearing loss remains denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for initial compensable ratings for cervical spine degenerative arthritis, tension headaches, bilateral shoulder and bilateral knee scars due to procedural issues with representation.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and need for further examination. The Veteran's headache disability is being reviewed, along with his service-connected hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's migraine headaches were rated as noncompensable prior to November 6, 2019, and in excess of 50 percent thereafter. Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea was denied due to lack of evidence linking the condition to service or secondary to a service-connected disability. The Veteran's hypertension and diabetes mellitus, type II were also not found to be related to service. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was denied.,The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea was denied as it did not have its onset during service or is otherwise unrelated to his service. His hypertension and diabetes mellitus, type II were also not found to be related to service. The Board acknowledged the Veteran's contention that his obstructive sleep apnea may be related to in-service snoring but found this insufficient evidence for a direct service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination. The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being reviewed again as there may be additional evidence that could affect the decision.

The Veteran's headaches and Meniere's disease have been granted initial ratings. The case is REMANDED for a VA examination to determine the etiology of his obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric condition, along with other disabilities, renders him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as of March 9, 2016. Effective April 10, 2017, the issue of TDIU is dismissed due to mootness.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection for various conditions as they are not related to active military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, stroke, and heart disability are remanded due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran is also entitled to a maximum schedular rating of 50 percent for migraine headaches.

The Board has granted a TDIU effective October 23, 2008. However, the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date is remanded to determine if he was unemployable due to service-connected disabilities prior to that date.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for migraine headaches has been dismissed. The claim of service connection for bilateral foot disability (claimed as frost bite) is granted and remanded, while the claim for sleep apnea is also remanded.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection of obstructive sleep apnea, headaches, respiratory condition, residuals of a head injury, acquired psychiatric disorder (including anxiety and depressive disorders), and right eye disability. The claims are denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board dismissed all the issues related to service connection and rating for various conditions, including posttraumatic stress disorder, low back condition, upper respiratory infection, bilateral upper extremity paresthesia, bilateral lower extremity paresthesia, fungal infection of the second digit of the right foot, toe-nail infection, left-sided chest pain, pharyngitis, headaches, and other conditions. The decision also dismissed all issues related to nonservice-connected pension and total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for adjustment disorder with anxiety and depressed mood was denied, while a 30 percent disability rating for migraine headaches was granted.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for Traumatic Brain Injury and Headaches, finding that there is at least equipoise evidence to support these conditions being related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities was denied as the evidence did not show he is unemployable as a result of his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's hypertension and headaches have not been linked to his service, and thus the claims for these conditions are denied.,For the bilateral pes planus, left great toe disability, right great toe hallux rigidus and degenerative changes, status post bunionectomy, increased rating claims, additional development is needed.