Migraines & headaches decisions — 2021

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for migraine headaches was granted, with a 10% rating prior to September 19, 2019, and a 30% rating from that date forward. A TDIU was also granted effective January 1, 2017.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations.

The issue of entitlement to service connection for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy is dismissed without prejudice.,The issues of entitlement to an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent disabling for the period prior to April 4, 2017, and in excess of 40 percent disabling for the period thereafter, for service-connected residuals of low back injury with compression fracture of T11 and mild degenerative changes; entitlement to a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) for the period prior to June 1, 2011 are remanded.,The issues of entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea, migraines, sinusitis, GERD, and bilateral athlete's foot are remanded.,,,,,

The Veteran's headache disorder, including muscle contracture and migraine headaches, is granted as service connected.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus is denied.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for a right hip condition and an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for migraines due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's increased rating claim for his service-connected migraine headaches is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable evaluation for service-connected non-specific headaches is being remanded due to procedural issues.

The Board previously denied a higher rating for the Veteran's migraine headaches, but now remands the case due to failure to comply with prior remand directives.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50 percent from December 19, 2018. Service connection for sleep apnea is granted. Service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy and left hip disability is denied.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 30 percent for the Veteran's headaches, finding that his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on the severity and frequency of his headaches.

The Veteran's service-connected sinusitis and headaches have prevented him from securing or maintaining a substantially gainful occupation since January 1, 2008. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted on an extraschedular basis.

The Veteran's tension headaches were not manifested by symptoms productive of characteristic prostrating attacks prior to December 3, 2019.,From December 3, 2019, the Veteran's tension headaches did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent.

Service connection for PTSD has been granted with a rating of 70 percent, effective from February 5, 2021.,Service connection for various conditions including heart condition, left foot condition, right and left wrist conditions, migraines, and depression have also been granted.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and opinions are inadequate for determining service connection for sleep apnea, cervical spine disability, and headaches. The claims are therefore remanded to obtain new opinions from appropriate VA examiners.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings on an extraschedular basis for left foot tarsal tunnel syndrome and pes planus, as well as migraine headaches prior to July 14, 2013, were denied. The Board found that the symptoms and impairments of these conditions are fully contemplated by the rating criteria in VA's Rating Schedule.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's trigeminal neuralgia, claimed as headaches. The Veteran is seeking service connection for this condition, which may be related to his in-service exposure or service-connected conditions.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding increased ratings for PTSD and Posttraumatic Migraine Headaches before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Fatigue, Grave's Disease, Headaches, and Permanent Eye Damage due to inadequate VA examinations. The Veteran is required to provide updated treatment records and undergo further examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for migraine headaches, low back disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder due to inadequate follow-up of instructions from previous VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for further development, including an examination to determine if the Veteran needs aid and attendance or is housebound based on his service-connected conditions.