Migraines & headaches decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a scar on the back of his head, left arm weakness, and headaches have been granted. The claim for Meniere's disease has been denied.,Service connection is established for a laceration scar on the back of the Veteran's head.

The Board denied an initial disability rating higher than 30 percent for migraines from August 11, 2012 onward. The Veteran's migraines were manifested by pain, nausea, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, and dizziness with prostrating attacks occurring about once a month.

The Veteran's migraines and right gastrocnemius muscle injury have been remanded for additional development.,Service connection for a left upper arm disability is also remanded.

The Veteran's headaches, which were noted at service entrance, were aggravated by his period of active duty. The Board granted service connection for the aggravation of a pre-existing headache condition.

The Board has dismissed all the Veteran's claims as the appellant withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection, including VA treatment records and SSA disability determination. The Veteran will be scheduled for VA examinations to address his claimed conditions.

The Board denied service connection for left and right knee disorders, as well as headaches, finding that the Veteran's current conditions were not incurred in service.

The Veteran's memory loss and posttraumatic headaches are granted at 40% and 50%, respectively, effective May 31, 2013.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of headaches, diabetes mellitus, type II, and obstructive sleep apnea are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's residuals of a heat stroke are granted as they were incurred in or aggravated by service, with the exposure being to sunlight.

The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability meeting the regulatory requirements.,Service connection for migraine headaches was denied due to lack of in-service disease or injury and failure to establish a causal relationship with service-connected conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's headaches, finding that her current diagnosis of migraines began in service and have continued to the present day. The Board placed the benefit of doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) including headaches due to conflicting evidence regarding whether the Veteran engaged in combat during his deployment to Iraq. The case is being returned to the RO for further proceedings.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were reopened and granted. He is now entitled to a rating of 30 percent for migraines since November 6, 2017.,Other conditions such as ulcerative colitis/proctitis, skin condition, pilonidal sinus/cyst, and PTSD-related issues have also been addressed.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's migraine headaches as secondary to his service-connected PTSD, resolving doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the upper right extremity, lower left extremity, upper left extremity, and lower right extremity are all found to be due to his service-connected disabilities. The hypertension claim is denied as there is no current diagnosis of hypertension during the pendency of the claim or recent to its filing.,The Veteran's migraine headaches are determined to be related to his military service.

Service connection for migraine headaches is granted.,Service connection for a left ear condition is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and their impact on his ability to work, as well as his need for aid and attendance or housebound status. The Veteran will be required to provide updated employment history and undergo VA examinations to determine these matters.

The Veteran's evaluation of migraine headaches was reduced from 50 percent to 30 percent effective October 1, 2015. The Board found that the evidence did not show an actual improvement in the ability to function under ordinary conditions of life and work, thus restoring the original 50 percent rating.

The Veteran is granted SMC based on aid and attendance from January 30, 2019 onward. The issue of entitlement to SMC based on aid and attendance or housebound benefits from July 12, 2011 to January 29, 2019 is remanded.,The Veteran's claim for SMC T (based on a higher level of SMC under subsection (t)) has been reasonably raised by the record. The issue of entitlement to SMC based on aid and attendance from July 12, 2011 to January 29, 2019 is remanded.,The earlier effective date for radiculopathy of the upper extremities prior to February 9, 2021 remains pending.