Migraines & headaches decisions — 2021

The Veteran's OSA was granted as secondary to his service-connected disabilities, including weight gain from other service-connected conditions. His migraine headaches prior to November 18, 2016, were also granted a 50% rating based on very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment since October 7, 2014.,The Veteran is currently entitled to a TDIU rating on a schedular basis effective September 8, 2015. However, his case was remanded for additional development regarding service connection for sleep apnea.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's migraine headaches, specifically whether they are related to his service-connected traumatic brain injury (TBI).

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to their death. The Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal at this time.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for headaches and for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU).,The Board found that the Veteran had prostrating headaches but did not have very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability, thus denying an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for headaches. The TDIU claim was denied due to lack of information regarding the Veteran's employment status.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected conditions aggravated his headaches.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for migraine headaches, bilateral hearing loss, and hypertension were all granted. However, the effective dates for these awards are prior to April 8, 2013. The claim for special monthly compensation based on housebound status was denied as the Veteran did not meet the criteria at any point during the appeal period.

The Board has denied service connection for hypertension, tinnitus, diabetic retinopathy, and tension headaches. The claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded.

The Veteran's facial trauma residuals and post-traumatic left hemicephalia/headaches have been denied as they do not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.,The Veteran's service-connected traumatic deviated nasal septum with scar has also been denied, as it does not meet the schedular rating criteria.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for headaches, dizziness, and depression due to inadequate development. The Veteran's claims are being returned for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for insomnia, depression, a left ankle disorder, migraine headaches, and a right ankle disorder have been dismissed. The issues of service connection for migraine headaches and a right ankle disorder are remanded.

The Veteran's left knee partial meniscotomy and excision of the popliteal cyst are rated at 20 percent prior to November 24, 2020.,A separate 20 percent rating is granted for residuals of the left knee partial meniscectomy.

The Board has determined that new examinations are needed to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected post-concussion headaches and left hand strain with thumb residuals, as there is insufficient evidence from previous evaluations.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his mixed tension type and vascular headaches is being remanded due to the submission of new evidence by the Veteran.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder and residuals of head injury, to include headaches (claimed as TBI), are granted service connection. A new VA examination is needed for the claim of residuals of head injury.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for anemia is granted. The Board finds that the Veteran has a current disability related to her active service and resolves reasonable doubt in her favor.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for migraine headaches and psychiatric disorder (including depression and anxiety) are remanded due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, cervicogenic headaches, right upper extremity neuritis (claimed as radiculopathy), and obstructive sleep apnea, all secondary to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence of current disabilities and lack of a nexus between his claimed conditions and military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine condition, acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD, anxiety and depression), TBI, and headaches. The evidence does not establish a link between these conditions and service.,There is no medical evidence showing any in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of her right shoulder injury, left leg sciatic nerve condition, migraines, and pelvic pain. The Veteran is required to undergo further examinations by VA clinicians who will provide opinions on whether these conditions are related to service.