Migraines & headaches decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claims for sinus disorder with headaches and allergic rhinitis, both presumed to be due to exposure to particulate matter in the Persian Gulf during service, are granted. The claim for muscle and joint pain (claimed as fibromyalgia) is remanded for a new VA examination. The claim for sleep disorder (including sleep apnea) is also remanded.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings and effective dates are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.

The Board dismissed the claim for service connection for anxiety disorder as moot because it was granted in a previous decision. Service connection is granted for fibromyalgia and migraine headaches.

The Board has remanded the claims for PTSD with alcohol abuse disorder, atypical headaches with migraine features, and lumbar strain due to incomplete records from various sources. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), an acquired psychiatric disability including PTSD, and degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine are denied as there is no persuasive evidence that these conditions began during or are otherwise related to his military service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a nerve disability remains pending and will be remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus, an initial rating for tension headaches prior to January 24, 2020, and a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities. The issues are being remanded for additional development including obtaining relevant medical records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further development, including additional VA examinations.

The Veteran is granted a disability rating of 50 percent for his service-connected migraine headaches beginning from October 20, 2014. The Veteran's prior ratings are denied.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee disability and migraines, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are proximately due to his service-connected left leg shin splints.

The Board has determined that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for residuals of pneumonia, bilateral flat feet (pes planus), low back disorder, right and left knee disorders, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), sleep apnea, residuals of traumatic brain injury (TBI), or headaches. The Veteran's claims are remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's headaches are found to be proximately due to his service-connected TMJ, and the Board has granted entitlement to service connection for headaches as secondary to TMJ.

The Board has granted service connection for headache disability and cubital tunnel syndrome (CTS). Service connection is remanded for erectile dysfunction and hypertension.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered her unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, resulting in the grant of TDIU.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities, including headaches, elbow and knee injuries, cervical spine issues, low back pain, bilateral knee problems, left shoulder disability, and cranial brain damage. The Board found insufficient evidence to link these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's headaches are found to be aggravated by his service-connected major depressive disorder with sleep impairment, and thus service connection is granted for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches are granted a 30% rating for the period prior to June 21, 2021.,For the period from June 21, 2021 onward, the Veteran's claim for an increased rating is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for tinnitus have been denied. The Board found no evidence of in-service hearing loss, headaches, or OSA, and the medical evidence did not support a nexus between current conditions and service.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic adjustment disorder with depressed mood, obstructive sleep apnea, and recurrent tension headaches. The conditions are found to be related to the Veteran's active service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, which include cardiomyopathy, reactive airway disease, obstructive sleep apnea, primary insomnia, right shoulder degenerative joint disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), left and right ankle strains, bilateral lattice peripheral retinal degeneration, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, and migraine headaches, have a combined rating of 100 percent. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for an employment handicap due to his service-connected disabilities, as he has overcome any impairment to employability. Therefore, VR&E services under Chapter 31 are denied.

The Veteran's death was not caused by VA treatment or care, and the service-connected conditions did not contribute to his death. The appeal for DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1310 is remanded due to unclear causes of death.