Migraines & headaches decisions — 2021

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for migraine headaches, as it is unclear whether they are related to service or secondary to other conditions. The Veteran's history of headaches in service and her report at separation indicate she had frequent or severe headaches during service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a headache disorder is granted. The Board also grants the Veteran's claim for service connection for TMJ syndrome, to include as secondary to PTSD.

The Veteran's right ankle sprain is now rated at 20 percent effective February 6, 2020. His headaches are currently rated at 30 percent from August 13, 2020.

The Veteran's left knee disorder, right foot onychomycosis, and service-connected coronary artery disease were granted. The issues of service connection for arteriosclerosis, bilateral ankle disorder, bilateral eye disorder, bilateral hip disorder, bilateral shoulder disorder, cervical disorder, headache disorder, low back disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hearing loss, vertigo, dental disorder, obesity, and left foot onychomycosis are dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for tinnitus, costochondritis, tonsillitis, low back disorder, right hip disorder, left hip disorder, left lower extremity disorder, rhinitis, sinusitis, and headaches have been denied. The case is remanded for additional development in regard to these issues.,An effective date prior to June 30, 2016 for the award of service connection for tinnitus has not been granted.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for TDIU and DEA benefits are being remanded to consider whether the Veteran was entitled to a TDIU prior to May 24, 2001 based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU on an extraschedular basis prior to May 23, 2011 is denied as the evidence does not show that he was precluded from securing and maintaining substantial and gainful employment solely by virtue of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a traumatic brain injury and headaches due to insufficient evidence in the record, particularly from service treatment records.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are now rated at 50 percent effective June 9, 2015. His PTSD remains rated at 100 percent since February 15, 2008. The issue of TDIU prior to March 26, 2019 is moot due to the grant of a 100 percent rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic sinusitis with headaches, PUD, appendectomy scar, frostbite residuals of the right foot, and PN of the bilateral feet has been reopened. Effective May 13, 2010, service connection was granted for left foot PN. An effective date prior to April 18, 2011, is denied for all other issues.,Right foot conditions, including hallux valgus and plantar fibroma status post fascial injury, are remanded for clarification of their etiology.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings of his migraine headaches, chronic low back strain, and retropatellar pain syndrome, left knee with mild degenerative joint disease is remanded due to the need for further examinations.

The Veteran's claim for a total rating based on unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is granted, with the exception of his right knee and back issues which are remanded. The Veteran also has higher ratings for his mechanical low back syndrome and limitation of flexion of the right knee.

Service connection is granted for rashes and myoclonic tremor due to exposure to Camp Lejeune contaminated water. Service connection for headaches remains pending as remanded.

The Veteran is granted a separate 50% rating for migraine headaches from October 23, 2008 to March 15, 2012. He is also granted a TDIU and SMC based on the regular need for aid and attendance since April 17, 2009.

The Veteran's migraine headaches were first diagnosed in service and are considered to have originated during this time, granting her claim for service connection.

The Veteran's petition to reopen her claim of entitlement to service connection for chronic headaches was granted. She is also granted service connection for migraine headaches and other specified trauma-and stressor-related disorder.,Her claim for bilateral hearing loss has been remanded.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for migraine headaches due to an undiagnosed illness, as there is insufficient evidence linking the condition to military service. The Veteran's sister and a friend have provided lay statements indicating that the Veteran experienced severe headaches since his separation from service.

The claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records review.

The Veteran's claims for service connection, increased ratings, and effective dates have been dismissed due to his death.