Migraines & headaches decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 50 percent rating for migraine headaches was granted.,The Veteran's claim for an initial higher rating of major depressive disorder with generalized anxiety disorder prior to October 25, 2018 was denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the severity of the Veteran's migraines prior to January 24, 2014. The Veteran is seeking a compensable rating for his service-connected migraines.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for updated employment information and earnings. The Board also notes that service connection has been granted for his headache disability, which will no longer be on appeal.

The Veteran's claims for service connection on multiple conditions are being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for further medical opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for migraine headaches. The cases of low back disability and right knee disability are remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder, migraine headaches, hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left inguinal hernia surgery, left inguinal hernia, and tinnitus. The preponderance of evidence supports these claims.

The Veteran's service connection for a groin disorder and migraine headaches is granted, with the groin disorder being secondary to his service-connected lumbar DDD.

The Veteran has withdrawn her claims for service connection for a vision loss disability, to include as secondary to service-connected migraine headaches disability, and for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a stomach condition, to include gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), and tension and/or migraine headaches. The evidence did not support an in-service onset or relationship to service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, including for increased ratings and entitlement to a total disability rating for individual unemployability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are found to render her unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment from June 5, 2020. The Board finds that the combined effects of her major depressive disorder with PTSD, chronic cough, and irritable bowel syndrome preclude her from obtaining or maintaining gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for tension headaches, peripheral neuropathy, and hypertension due to incomplete development. The Veteran will need an in-person or telehealth examination for his tension headaches, updated VA treatment records must be obtained, and additional opinions are needed regarding service connection for peripheral neuropathy and hypertension.

The Board has granted service connection for migraine headaches. The case is remanded for further development regarding the Veteran's claims for shin splints, leg pain, and ankle swelling.

The Veteran's service connection claims for headaches and an acquired psychiatric disorder have been granted.,The Board has also remanded the remaining issues, including a back disorder, TBI rating, and multiple noncompensable disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's attorney withdrawing his appeals for several issues.,The Veteran's appeal was also dismissed for service connection claims related to an undiagnosed illness, fibromyalgia, a right knee disability, and a back disability.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50% effective March 27, 2013. The Veteran's traumatic brain injury residuals (not otherwise encompassed by the rating for migraine headaches) are rated at 10% from March 27, 2013 to January 23, 2017 and at 70% effective January 23, 2017. The Veteran's PTSD is granted as a separate disability with an initial rating of 70%. The Veteran's back disability and bilateral foot/ankle disability are also granted.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50% effective March 27, 2013. The Veteran's traumatic brain injury residuals (not otherwise encompassed by the rating for migraine headaches) are rated at 10% from March 27, 2013 to January 23, 2017 and at 70% effective January 23, 2017. The Veteran's PTSD is granted as a separate disability with an initial rating of 70%. The Veteran's back disability and bilateral foot/ankle disability are also granted.

The Board has granted service connection for migraine headaches but has remanded the case for further development regarding hypertension.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disability and headaches due to inadequate opinions in prior decisions. The cases are now before the Board for further review.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for right anterior disc displacement with reduction of the TMJ as secondary to service-connected paresthesia of the lingual branch of the right mandibular nerve following extraction of tooth #32 is denied. The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches, to include as secondary to service-connected paresthesia of the lingual branch of the right mandibular nerve following extraction of tooth #32, is granted.