Migraines & headaches decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for service-connected migraine headaches is remanded due to a duty-to-assist error. The issue of entitlement to TDIU based on service-connected disabilities has also been raised and must be addressed.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied, and the Board has remanded the issue of service connection for migraine headaches due to insufficient evidence regarding their relationship to tinnitus.

The Veteran is granted an initial disability rating of 50 percent for migraines prior to February 14, 2018. The Board finds that the Veteran had very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for service-connected migraines is being remanded due to the addition of new evidence since the last SSOC.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for migraine headaches, finding that there is no medical evidence linking her current migraines to her military service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder is granted service connection, with the condition likely having onset in active duty or reserve duty.,Service connection for hepatitis B remains pending as remanded. The claim will be reconsidered based on a determination of whether it was incurred during service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for migraine headaches is granted, with a 10% rating. The service connection claim for a low back disorder is denied.

The Board found no evidence to support a connection between the Veteran's migraines and his military service, thus denying his claim.

The Veteran's claims for headaches, residuals of TBI, and joint pain have been granted. The claim for left ear hearing loss has been reopened but remanded for further examination. The Veteran's claim for neuropathy requires additional development to determine exposure and etiology. His insomnia claim is also pending further clarification. The Veteran's GERD claim remains remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date of August 19, 2019, for his TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The evidence did not show that he was unemployable prior to this date.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, sinusitis, dizziness, rhinitis, headaches, and an acquired psychiatric disorder have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a current diagnosis of these conditions.

The Veteran's chronic headache condition is at least as likely as not related to his active-duty service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for a neck disability, back disability, right shoulder strain, and migraine disability as secondary to the Veteran's now service-connected cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The cases for the left and right knee conditions are remanded, and the case for headaches is also remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for further medical examination and records.

Service connection is granted for tinnitus, headaches, and blurred vision.,The issues of entitlement to service connection for high cholesterol and lipoma are dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher evaluation for his traumatic bifrontal headaches with residual scar was denied, and the Board found that he did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent. The case is remanded for further examination to determine if service connection can be established for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded several claims for further development, including obtaining inpatient treatment records and VA treatment records from prior to April 10, 2009. The Veteran's vocational rehabilitation counseling folder is also being sought.

The Veteran's service connection claim for migraines is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis, in-service event or injury, and causal relationship.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed left foot disorder and migraine headaches.