Migraines & headaches decisions — 2021

The Veteran was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to February 17, 2016 due to her service-connected disabilities which rendered her unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has decided to remand the service connection claim for migraines and the TDIU claim due to the need for a new VA examination and opinion. The claims will be reconsidered after the additional information is obtained.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment prior to July 5, 2012.

The Board denied an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for migraine headache disorder, finding that the Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to lack of very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's headaches are not secondary to or aggravated by her service-connected left shoulder disability and have remanded for further examination regarding her left foot disorder.

The Veteran's migraines have not manifested in characteristic prostrating attacks averaging once a month over the last several months, and thus do not meet the criteria for a rating higher than 10 percent.

The Board dismissed the appeal as to the issue of entitlement to an earlier effective date for a separate rating for migraine headaches, finding that the Veteran did not meet the requirements for filing a motion alleging clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in the November 2011 decision.

The Veteran's headaches are granted as secondary to his service-connected cervical spine disability.,Service connection for tinnitus is denied due to lack of evidence linking it to active duty.

The Board has denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and erectile dysfunction. The claims of service connection for aortic valve stenosis and coronary artery disease (previously claimed as calcific aortic stenosis with chest pain), headaches, obstructive sleep apnea, and acquired psychiatric disorder including major depressive disorder are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions on secondary service connection.

The Board has remanded several service connection claims due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling examinations. The Veteran's psychiatric claim is also remanded as new evidence suggests a DSM-5 diagnosis may be warranted.

The Veteran's post-traumatic headaches are rated at 10 percent prior to January 12, 2018 and 50 percent from that date. The appeal is denied as the preponderance of evidence does not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for multiple retinal tears, status post laser treatment, scleral buckle removal, vitrectomy with glaucoma, to include migraine headaches is being remanded due to the inadequacy of the January 2014 VA examination and the need for a supplemental opinion from a retinal specialist with trauma experience.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for headaches, as the current VA examiner's opinion is not sufficient.

The Board has granted service connection for migraine headaches. The issues of service connection for gastroesophageal disease (GERD), upper back and cervical spine disability, and sinusitis and rhinitis are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for TMJ, facial scar, headaches as secondary to TMJ, and low back disability on a direct basis.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a new VA examination to assess the Veteran's current severity of his rhinitis and any associated respiratory conditions.

The Veteran's scoliosis of the thoracic spine and adjustment disorder with chronic depressive mood are granted service connection due to aggravation by a service-connected back disability. Headaches are remanded for further evaluation.

The reduction of the disability rating for headaches from 30% to 0% was improper, and the 30% evaluation is restored.,The reduction of the disability rating for PTSD from 70% to 50% was improper, and the 70% evaluation is restored.,TDIU remains remanded as further evidence or clarification is needed.

The Veteran's service-connected post traumatic headaches, residual of traumatic brain injury, are rated at 50 percent effective April 16, 2014. The Board finds that the disability picture has remained consistent throughout the appeal period and grants a 50 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding service connection for a stomach disorder, as well as TDIU due to headaches. The initial rating claim for migraine headaches remains denied.