Migraines & headaches decisions — 2021

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's headache condition. The examiner did not provide a clear and unmistakable evidence showing that the preexisting condition was not aggravated by service or if any increase in disability was due to natural progression.

The Board has remanded the case for a new examination to determine the current severity of the Veteran's cervical spine disability and to evaluate whether his headaches are caused or aggravated by this condition. The issue of entitlement to an increased rating remains under review.

The Board granted an initial rating of 30 percent for headaches associated with traumatic brain injury and post-concussion syndrome, finding that the Veteran's symptoms met the criteria for such a rating.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of obstructive sleep apnea and tension headaches due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's post-concussion headaches were granted a separate rating of 30 percent from December 12, 2011 to November 29, 2018.,From November 30, 2018, the Veteran's post-concussion headaches are rated at 50 percent.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for tension headaches, as it requires clarification on whether the Veteran's headaches are caused by or aggravated by his major depressive disorder.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for secondary service connection for migraine headaches, finding that his current severity of migraines is greater than their baseline and more likely than not aggravated by his service-connected cervical and lumbar spine disabilities.

The Veteran's appeals for an initial compensable rating for headaches and TDIU have been remanded due to the need for a VA examination regarding his service-connected headaches, as well as additional development of his employment history.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a headache disability and a GI disability, finding that there is no evidence to support these conditions being related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder, headaches, gout, respiratory disorder, hiatal hernia and peptic ulcer disease (PUD), and dry eye syndrome has been reopened. The effective date is not specified as the decision was granted.

The Veteran's migraines are rated at 50% effective January 10, 2015. The Board found that the earliest date for which a 50% rating is warranted was January 10, 2015.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development of records and a need for an addendum opinion from the VA examiner.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee degenerative joint disease and post-concussion syndrome with headaches and dizziness were at least as likely as not a contributory cause of his death.

The Veteran's service-connected sinusitis with headaches is granted for the period prior to November 17, 2020, but denied for the entire rating period on appeal. The Veteran's erectile dysfunction and scarring of the genitals are not service connected.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a sinus disability and migraine headaches due to inadequate VA examinations in July 2019. The Veteran's post-service medical records show he had diagnosed conditions, but the examiner did not address these records or the Veteran’s reported symptoms.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for migraine headaches, including as secondary to PTSD, and for an earlier effective date for TDIU. The Veteran's claim will be addressed in a new VA examination.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at a maximum of 50 percent, the highest rating allowed.,The Veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for his service-connected psychiatric disorder (PTSD). The earliest possible effective date is March 10, 2010, when he was granted service connection. However, as all psychiatric disabilities are rated on their symptomology regardless of diagnosis, the change from adjustment disorder to PTSD does not affect the effective date.,The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded for development including completion of a TDIU form and an examination by an appropriate clinician.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for migraine headaches due to inadequate medical opinions and concerns about exposure to noise in service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for respiratory condition, lump condition, skin condition, and migraine condition due to additional development being necessary. The issues of asbestos exposure and service connection are pending.

The Board denied service connection for headaches, finding that the Veteran's current headache symptoms are not related to his military service and do not meet the criteria for service connection.