Migraines & headaches decisions — 2022

The Veteran's bilateral hip arthritis and headaches have been granted service connection. The Veteran's chronic fatigue syndrome, lower extremity neurological disability (rhegulopathy), and atopic dermatitis were not granted service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for headaches (non-migraine type) is being remanded due to the July 2021 rating decision that granted a 50 percent evaluation and an earlier effective date of April 18, 2013. The Board finds there are clear and unmistakable errors in this decision.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection of a headache disability and bilateral hearing loss have been dismissed. The Board has remanded the issues of sleep apnea and GERD, as they involve secondary service connection claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus and headache disorder due to potential herbicide exposure, as well as for a VA examination to determine the etiology of his headache disorder. The Veteran is presumed exposed to herbicides based on his service in Operation Ranch Hand.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's migraine headaches are causally related to service, including his time at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's claim for financial assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing is granted. The claim for SMC based on loss of use of both legs, need for aid and attendance, or housebound status is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for a right shoulder disability, headache condition, and back disability. The conditions are found to be etiologically related to military service.

The Veteran's initial rating for tinnitus is denied as it is already at the maximum allowable under VA guidelines. The issues of hearing loss, dizziness/nausea/headaches secondary to tinnitus and/or hearing loss are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to procedural errors and insufficient development of evidence regarding the Veteran's employment history.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's TDIU claim due to incomplete information and outstanding VA medical records. The AOJ is instructed to request updated employment history from the Veteran, obtain any relevant treatment records, and readjudicate the case.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for back disability, right knee disability, heart disorder (claimed as abnormal heart rhythm), and headaches due to incomplete records. The RO is instructed to attempt to obtain all relevant service personnel and medical records from the Massachusetts National Guard.

The Veteran's initial compensable ratings for sinusitis and migraine headaches are being remanded due to the need for new examinations to assess current severity.

The Board has granted service connection for headaches and hypertension, finding that these conditions manifested within one year of the Veteran's separation from active duty. Service connection was denied for bilateral hearing loss due to lack of evidence of a current disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for residuals of a TBI, tinnitus, sleep apnea, and rhinitis due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board denied service connection for a back condition, finding no evidence of an in-service injury or disease related to the current condition.,Service connection was also denied for a joint condition (fibromyalgia), vertigo, sinus condition, headache condition (migraines), and gastrointestinal disability (GERD and hiatal hernia).

The Veteran withdrew all his appeals regarding service connection for various conditions and increased ratings, including bilateral hearing loss, allergic rhinitis, headaches, heart disability, GERD, somatic symptom disorder/unspecified depressive disorder, and TDIU.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeal.

The Board granted an initial 70 percent rating for PTSD with anxiety and a 50 percent rating for migraines, effective July 19, 2012.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, headaches, and gastric condition (including hemorrhoids) is granted. The Veteran has a current diagnosis of these conditions and the evidence supports their relationship to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete personnel records and the need for an additional medical opinion regarding his diverticulitis.