Migraines & headaches decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for anal fissure, tension headaches, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, and TDIU due to failure to provide VA examinations as requested in a previous remand. The Veteran is also required to complete a VA Form 21-8940 to substantiate his claim of TDIU.

The Veteran's claims of increased ratings for various service-connected disabilities are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations.,The Veteran's cervical spine disability claim is also remanded as an adequate VA examination was not provided in the previous February 2015 neck conditions examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of his claimed conditions. Specifically, OSA is being remanded for a VA examination, while hearing loss and tinnitus require additional addendums from VA audiologists, and vestibular disorder requires an addendum from a VA ear specialist.

The Board has granted service connection for headaches, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis of headaches is directly related to his military service. The claim was reopened due to new and material evidence submitted since the previous denial in September 2013.

The Board dismissed all claims due to the Veteran's death, as no order granting substitution has been issued.

The Veteran's earlier effective date for service connection of right foot plantar fasciitis was withdrawn.,A 10% rating is granted for the Veteran’s left shoulder condition, characterized by pain and limited motion.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, chronic headaches are granted service connection, and a TDIU is granted. The rating for PTSD remains at 70 percent despite the submission of new evidence. Service connection for HTN was denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's applications to reopen his claims for service connection for dermatomycosis tinea, gastroenteritis, TBI, bilateral pes planus, a left ankle condition, and a left knee disability. The application to reopen the claim of service connection for headaches is also granted.

The Board has found that additional development is necessary prior to final adjudication of the Veteran's claims, including obtaining a VA examination for his lumbar spine and headache disabilities, assessing the functional impact on employment, and providing an opinion regarding service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for headaches and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran's representative provided additional evidence, but further VA medical opinions are needed.

The Veteran's left ankle condition is rated at a 20 percent disability rating, but no higher. The Veteran's back condition prior to April 26, 2018 and thereafter is rated at a 20 percent disability rating. Service connection for migraine headaches secondary to service-connected back condition is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to unclear employment history and need for updated examinations of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities. The AOJ will obtain all relevant records, including VA treatment records and any emergency department visits, and schedule the Veteran for updated VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to an undiagnosed illness or medically unexplained chronic multisymptoms, including PTSD, sleep apnea, and various physical disabilities. The Veteran is required to provide more details about his stressors and any relevant medical records from SSA.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and initial ratings for sleep apnea, eczema, and migraine headaches have been remanded due to the submission of new evidence. The AOJ will review this evidence in the first instance.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected headaches is denied. The Board also finds that the propriety of reducing the Veteran’s sinusitis rating from 30 percent to 10 percent, effective February 1, 2018, needs to be remanded.,The Veteran's appeal regarding the reduction in his sinusitis rating is remanded.

The Veteran's migraine headaches were denied a compensable rating before April 25, 2018.,A rating in excess of 30 percent for migraine headaches from April 25, 2018 to January 24, 2019 was also denied.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for migraine headaches from January 24, 2019 was denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient opinions regarding the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions, particularly his head injury and skin disorder. The case is returned for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for OSA and headaches, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his military service. The noncompensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is also granted.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for a stomach disorder, right hand disorder, and headache disorder due to incomplete or insufficient opinions in previous VA examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome and headaches, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his military service.