Migraines & headaches decisions — 2020

The Veteran's tension headaches were not rated higher than noncompensable prior to January 2, 2014. From January 2, 2014, to July 19, 2017, the Veteran was granted a 30 percent evaluation for her tension headaches. Since then, she has been granted a 50 percent evaluation.,The Veteran's bilateral rib disorder and left knee disorder are remanded as there is insufficient evidence of record.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are now rated at 50% effective March 22, 2018.,Service connection for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy is granted as secondary to service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petitions to reopen his previously denied claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, headaches, and bone/joint disorders in both lower extremities. The appeals are remanded for further development regarding these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's migraine headaches, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeal for all remaining issues.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to an inadequate August 2018 VA medical opinion. The Veteran's disorders are related on a direct basis to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

The Board has found that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic headaches, including as secondary to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and/or tinnitus. The case is being remanded for a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed TBI and migraine headaches. A new VA examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance due to her service-connected disabilities, finding that she is not so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and assistance from another person.

The Veteran's migraines were denied an initial compensable rating prior to June 19, 2019 and a rating in excess of 50 percent thereafter. The Board found that the Veteran’s migraines did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on the severity of his symptoms.

The Board has granted a 50 percent rating for service-connected migraine headaches, the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 8100. The Veteran's condition is characterized by very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and TDIU have been dismissed as she has withdrawn her appeal.

The Board has determined that the original grants of service connection for myofascial pain syndrome, par cervical region; major depression with mood congruent psychotic features; nummular eczema; headaches; and lumbar strain were based on fraud. As a result, these claims have been severed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a traumatic brain injury, vertigo as secondary to TBI, and headaches as secondary to TBI due to lack of current diagnosis of a TBI.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the Veteran's claims of service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, migraine headaches, and obstructive sleep apnea. The case will be remanded to obtain clarifying opinions from VA examiners regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for low back disability, bilateral knee disability, headaches, and hypertension due to inadequate VA examinations and new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's initial 50 percent evaluation for migraine headaches is granted, and the TDIU claim remains pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to October 27, 2019 as his service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board denied service connection for a headache disorder, finding that the Veteran's headaches were not shown in service or for many years thereafter and are unrelated to active duty service or to a service-connected disability.

The Board has granted the reopening of previously denied claims for service connection for residuals of a head injury, headaches, vertigo and syncope, and neck condition. The claim for back condition remains denied.