Migraines & headaches decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic headaches, an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for PTSD prior to November 5, 2020, and entitlement to TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development. Specifically, addendum opinions are required regarding the etiology of her headache disorder and bipolar disorder, as well as clarification of the November 2020 examination report findings.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's headaches were incurred in and due to his time in service, and the Board granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted an annual clothing allowance for the 2016 calendar year due to wear and tear associated with the Veteran's use of a wheelchair, which is used as part of his treatment for service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected mixed type headaches and sinusitis did not meet the criteria for a higher rating or TDIU prior to April 8, 2019. The Board found that her symptoms were not severe enough to warrant a 50 percent rating under DC 8100.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased ratings have been dismissed due to withdrawal. The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for cervical spine, bilateral hand, and headache disorders.

The Board has remanded multiple issues related to service connection and disability ratings, including headaches, obstructive sleep apnea, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, and erectile dysfunction. The effective dates for TDIU have also been remanded.

The Board has decided that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for jaw pain and headaches, which are secondary to a jaw disability. The case is being remanded to obtain an addendum opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's jaw pain.

The Veteran's patellofemoral syndrome of the left and right knees, as well as his tension headaches, have been granted increased ratings. The left knee was rated at 10 percent effective April 1, 2008, with a higher rating denied. The right knee was also rated at 10 percent effective April 1, 2008, but the Veteran's claim for a higher rating is still pending. The tension headaches were granted a 30 percent rating effective April 1, 2008.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient development and lack of adequate medical opinions. The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities, neurological condition, peripheral neuropathy, skin cancer, and chronic headaches are all being reviewed again.

The Board has granted service connection for migraines as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are characterized by very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks, resulting in severe economic inadaptability. The Board has granted a rating of 50% for the Veteran's migraine headaches from November 9, 2020.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the proposed reduction of a disability rating for migraines was not properly before them as it had already been enacted in a subsequent decision.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date and a compensable rating for migraines is denied. The earliest effective date of December 18, 2017, when the service connection was granted, cannot be changed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a sleep disorder, headaches, and joint pain (fibromyalgia) due to insufficient evidence. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Veteran's tension headaches are rated at 50% from May 5, 2021 and thereafter. The left knee condition does not meet the criteria for a TDIU as it is not service-connected.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for migraine headaches prior to April 17, 2018 was denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the schedular criteria.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to June 21, 2017 was also denied. The Board determined that his service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing or following gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted. The remaining claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for further development regarding ionizing radiation exposure and herbicide exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for headaches. The remaining issues of service connection for left hand impairment, right hand impairment, left shoulder impairment, right shoulder impairment, gastrointestinal impairment (claimed as sporadic internal bleeding), and heart impairment are remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for heart disability, headache disability, and tinnitus due to potential errors in adjudication. The claims are being returned for further development and consideration.