Migraines & headaches decisions — 2021

The Veteran's tension headaches are granted an increased rating to 50 percent, while his right eye blindness is denied any increase beyond the current 30 percent. The claims for bilateral plantar fasciitis and a left eye disability are both denied. Tinnitus remains at its current 10 percent rating. Erectile dysfunction continues to be rated as noncompensable.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for migraines, fibromyalgia, and a low back disability are remanded. The claim for an effective date prior to April 18, 2018 for the award of PTSD is also remanded. The rating assigned in excess of 70 percent for PTSD is remanded.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for increased ratings and TDIU, expressing satisfaction with the current combined 100% rating. He also did not pursue earlier effective dates or CUE claims.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 50 percent for the Veteran's service-connected tension headaches with migraines prior to July 30, 2015, as his symptoms did not present an exceptional case with more severe, frequent, or long-lasting symptoms than what is contemplated by the current 50 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a left elbow disability, lumbar spine disability, and left epididymis cyst and left groin pain. The Veteran's migraine headache claim was reopened due to new evidence submitted.,The Board has also remanded the issue of increased rating for cervical degenerative disc disease and right shoulder impingement syndrome.,For the issues not related to service connection, the Board will proceed with adjudication based on the existing evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to a lack of recent medical evidence and for further examinations.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded for further review, as the Board cannot grant a TDIU on an extraschedular basis prior to June 2, 2014. The case will be referred to the Director of Compensation Service for consideration.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, major depressive disorder (MDD), and migraine headaches. The claims were reopened based on new evidence submitted since the previous denials.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss remains at a 10% rating throughout the appeal period.

The Board has granted service connection for status post cervical discectomy with intervertebral disc syndrome, bilateral shoulder osteoarthritis, migraines, and depression with anxiety as these conditions are related to a neck injury sustained during active duty training in April 2010.

The Veteran's service-connected headaches and concussion residuals are found to have contributed to his cardio-pulmonary arrest, which was the cause of death. Service connection for the cause of death is granted.

The Board has determined that the VA opinions obtained are inadequate to adjudicate the claims with respect to service connection for thoracic spine, cervical spine, and elbow disabilities. The Veteran's reports of in-service injuries and ongoing pain since service discharge must be considered.,The Veteran is entitled to a remand for additional examinations regarding his claimed right knee osteoarthritis and TDIU.

The Veteran's service connection claim for pseudofolliculitis barbae is granted. Service connection for a bilateral knee condition, migraines, right eye injury, and left shoulder condition are denied. Service connection for a right shoulder condition is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened and are now considered. The Board has also determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea, chronic headache disability, bruxism with myofascial pain dysfunction, and TBI warrant service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for residuals of head injury, degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, and radiculopathy of the upper extremities due to procedural errors and insufficient development. The Veteran needs a VA examination by a neurologist or other headache specialist to address his claim of service connection for head injury residuals, including headaches. If deemed relevant, an opinion with respect to the nature and etiology of the cervical spine disability and related radiculopathy should also be obtained.

The Veteran's left and right Achilles tendonitis with plantar heel spurs, major depressive disorder, and migraine headaches have been granted increased ratings of 20 percent each, effective March 15, 2014.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and anxiety.,Service connection is also granted for a headache disorder, sinus condition, and sleep apnea.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's rehabilitation plan and vocational rehabilitation services need to be reviewed due to her request for a change in her long-term goal from obtaining an engineering degree to pursuing a medical doctorate. The discontinuance of her VR&E services was also challenged, and both issues are being remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the cases of GERD and headaches due to inadequate medical opinions in the previous examinations. New examinations are required for a determination on whether these conditions were incurred during service.

The Board has remanded the case for further action on the issues of service connection for a headache disability and cervical spine disability.,Service connection for multiple sclerosis is also being remanded due to insufficient information in the record.