Migraines & headaches decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied because he failed to report for scheduled VA examinations, and there was no good cause shown.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims to reopen his service connection for skin rashes and migraine headaches, as well as his claim for a higher rating for alopecia. The decision found no CUE in any of these decisions.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic headache disability and acquired psychiatric disorder characterized as MDD and OCD, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to her active military service.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for migraine headaches was denied. Prior to September 3, 2020, the rating remained at 0 percent due to infrequent attacks not meeting criteria for a higher rating. As of September 3, 2020, the Veteran received a 50 percent rating based on very frequent and prostrating attacks.

The Veteran's service connection claim for TBI was denied as he does not have a current diagnosis of a TBI.,His hearing loss is rated at 10 percent, and the Board found no evidence to support an increase in rating.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic sinus condition with headaches, finding that there is no evidence of a diagnosis in service and insufficient evidence to establish a nexus between current symptoms and service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for headaches, respiratory disability (chronic bronchitis), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), infection of the tonsils, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), fatigue, hypertension, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, shin splints, hemorrhoids, retracted testicle, and low sex drive have been granted. Effective dates prior to February 13, 2018 for bilateral foot bunions and tinnitus are denied.

The Board has granted service connection for ocular migraines, finding that the Veteran's longstanding history of these symptoms is related to his military service. Service connection was denied for left and right eye disorders.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for groin scars was dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.,A 100 percent rating for psychiatric disorder is granted, with total occupational and social impairment caused by symptoms such as suicidal ideation, intermittent hallucinations, grossly inappropriate behavior, and inability to perform activities of daily living.

The Board has denied service connection for migraine headaches and acquired speech impediment (stuttering) but has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence. The cardiovascular disorder and sleep apnea issues remain unresolved.

The Veteran was previously granted a 30 percent rating for his migraine headaches prior to June 3, 2011. Since then, he has been awarded a higher 50 percent rating effective from June 3, 2011.,The Veteran's migraines have become very frequent and prolonged since June 3, 2011, causing severe economic inadaptability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tension headaches is granted, with an effective date of September 24, 2012.

The Veteran's tension headaches are currently rated at 50 percent, effective October 22, 2020. The case is being remanded to consider the issues of a higher rating prior to that date and TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's migraine headaches are caused or aggravated by her service-connected anxiety disorder and bipolar disorder.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for service-connected pansinusitis with headaches was denied.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU benefits due to his service-connected disabilities was granted.

The Veteran's back disability is rated at 20 percent, but the evidence does not support a higher rating due to limited forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine.,The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy is currently rated at 10 percent and there is no indication that it warrants a higher rating.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of PTSD and Migraine Headaches, as well as his TDIU claim, need further development due to a lack of consideration of the Veteran's request for an extension of time to respond to the Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC).

The Veteran's migraines were rated at 30 percent prior to January 16, 2020 and at 50 percent from that date onward.,PTSD symptoms were rated at 30 percent prior to January 13, 2020 and at 50 percent thereafter.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, a skin condition including eczema on the inside of the knees, and migraine headaches.