Migraines & headaches decisions — 2022

The Board has dismissed the service connection claims for residuals of a low back injury and post-traumatic headaches due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is related to active service and the claim for service connection is granted. The issues of bilateral pes planus, left knee disability, right knee disability, back disability, erectile dysfunction, and headache disorder are remanded for additional development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's PTSD, tension headaches, and left ear hearing loss were all denied increased ratings. The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD did not meet criteria for a higher rating due to its current severity. Service connection for low back disability, right ear hearing loss, and TDIU was remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for her service-connected tension headaches and migraine headaches is denied as the evidence does not show very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.,From April 10, 2013, the TDIU claim is rendered moot due to the assignment of a 100 percent combined schedular rating for multiple disabilities. The issue of TDIU prior to April 10, 2013, remains remanded.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative disc disease of lumbar spine at L5 with coccydynia are remanded due to the need for additional VA examination and opinion regarding flare-ups and functional impairment.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and assessments of his disabilities, including PTSD, migraines, knee conditions, and sleep apnea.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and headaches due to their interrelated nature. Specifically, it is unclear whether OSA was caused or aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine condition, including the use of opioids for pain management.

The Veteran's service-connected headaches are currently rated at 30 percent, but the Board found that a higher rating is not warranted as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a 50 percent rating due to lack of very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for migraine headaches, finding that there is no nexus between his current migraines and his military service or any service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to outstanding VA and private treatment records, as well as potential SSA disability benefits records. The RO must associate these records with the claim.

The Board has found that additional development is necessary for the service connection claims related to right heel disability, right ankle disability, headaches, left knee disability, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal for service connection for COPD due to a grant of service connection in November 2021. The remaining issues on appeal are remanded.

The Veteran's service connection claims for headache, acquired psychiatric disability, sleep disability (including sleep apnea and insomnia), and lumbar spine disability are all granted. The Board found that the Veteran has a current headache disability related to his active duty service in the U.S. Air Force, an acquired psychiatric disability likely due to service-connected TBI residuals, and a lumbar spine disability possibly related to a personal assault sustained during service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and a headache disorder, but denied the claims for visual problems including glaucoma and neuralgia. The decision is based on secondary service connection due to a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at the highest schedular rating of 50 percent, granted. Service connection for herpes and diabetes mellitus, type II is denied.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for an increased rating for a cervical spine disability due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal. The remaining issues have been remanded, including service connection and TDIU.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disability, bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and tension headaches as secondary to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's mixed vascular and tension headaches have been rated at 30 percent since March 10, 2017. The Board found that the Veteran has had migraines with characteristic prostrating attacks occurring on average once a month over the last several months throughout the appeal period, corresponding to the criteria for a 30 percent rating under DC 8100.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the need for additional VA medical records and completion of a VA Form 21-8940.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for vertigo, sleep apnea, diabetes, headaches, and PTSD have all been denied. The Board found no evidence of these conditions during or within one year after service.