Migraines & headaches decisions — 2022

Service connection for a cognitive disorder (post-concussive syndrome) is denied as the current condition is not causally related to service.,Service connection for TBI and its residuals are granted as they are caused by post-service motorcycle accidents, rather than in-service events.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for TBI, high blood pressure, and headaches have been remanded. The effective dates for the grant of service connection for tinnitus and unspecified anxiety disorder (claimed as PTSD and mental conditions) are denied due to lack of prior unadjudicated claims. The effective date for hearing loss is denied as it was received within one year after separation from service.

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

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for tension headaches, finding that they are secondary to his service-connected tinnitus and depressive disorder. The original denial of this claim was vacated due to a procedural issue.

The Veteran's emergency medical services at Rhode Island Hospital from May 24 to May 25, 2018 are covered by VA and the Veteran is not liable for any remaining costs after Medicare coverage.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and opinions provided do not sufficiently address the Veteran's claims for service connection, particularly regarding whether her current disabilities are related to in-service events or conditions. The issues have been remanded once again.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities was granted with an effective date of March 21, 2014.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of TBI was denied. The earlier effective date for the 30 percent rating for migraines is granted, and service connection for a psychiatric condition secondary to TBI is granted. However, the claim for an earlier effective date for tinnitus remains pending.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including sleep apnea, migraine headaches, TBI, and left ear hearing loss. The claims for new and material evidence for sleep apnea, initial higher ratings for migraine headaches, and a compensable rating for left ear hearing loss are all being reviewed due to recent developments in his case.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches have been rated at 30 percent, but the Board has granted a higher rating of 50 percent based on the severity and frequency of his attacks.

The Veteran's bilateral foot disorder, cervical spine degenerative disc disease, lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, right knee chondromalacia, left knee chondromalacia (status post surgery), right ankle degenerative changes (post-fracture), right shoulder degenerative changes, and left shoulder status post resection of the left distal clavicle are all granted. Headaches and sinusitis also received initial rating grants.

The Veteran's disability ratings for posttraumatic headaches and traumatic brain injury were restored to their original levels, effective September 1, 2015.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective February 14, 2011. From December 10, 2010, the Veteran's migraines are rated at 30 percent.,From March 30, 2010, the Veteran's residuals of TBI are rated at 70 percent.

Additional evidence is needed to determine the Veteran's service connection claim for tinnitus. The Board requires that federal records and private treatment records be obtained.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (including an eating disorder leading to obesity) may require a VA examination due to his reported sleep habits in service, but more information is needed from the medical records.,Insomnia needs further evaluation as there are no current VA examinations addressing this issue. The Board requires that private treatment records be obtained and a VA examination conducted.,The Veteran's chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) may require a VA examination to determine if it is related to service, including his reported symptoms in service. More information from the medical records is needed.,A bilateral ankle disability needs further evaluation as there are no current VA examinations addressing this issue. The Board requires that private treatment records be obtained and a VA examination conducted.,The Veteran's low back disability may require a VA examination to determine if it is related to service, including his reported injury in service. More information from the medical records is needed.,Sciatica needs further evaluation as there are no current VA examinations addressing this issue. The Board requires that private treatment records be obtained and a VA examination conducted.,The Veteran's headache disability (including migraines) may require a VA examination to determine if it is related to service, including his reported symptoms in service. More information from the medical records is needed.,Residuals of traumatic brain injury (TBI) needs further evaluation as there are no current VA examinations addressing this issue. The Board requires that private treatment records be obtained and a VA examination conducted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability, headaches, left knee disability, right knee disability, and left wrist disability have been reopened. The effective date of the increased rating for right foot hallux valgus with hallux rigidus is set at May 15, 2015.

The appeals for service connection of hepatitis C, obstructive sleep apnea, headaches, and a rating greater than 10 percent for tinnitus have been dismissed.,The appeal for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder has been granted.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's headaches and respiratory disorder. The issues of service connection for headaches, secondary to TBI, and a respiratory disorder are being reviewed.

The Veteran seeks an earlier effective date for the award of a 30 percent rating for migraines, but the Board finds that June 16, 2016 is the earliest possible effective date.,An increased rating to 50 percent for migraines prior to March 16, 2017 is granted based on evidence showing severe economic inadaptability due to migraine headaches.,TDIU is granted from January 29, 2018, as the Veteran's combined disability rating was at least 70% and she could not secure or follow a substantially gainful employment due to her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's right foot disability is rated at 20 percent, but the Board found that a higher rating was not warranted. The Veteran also has a separate 10 percent rating for hallux valgus.,Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and migraine headaches are both remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings for his service-connected Posttraumatic Ocular Headaches and Migraine Headaches, BPPV, and TBI were denied. The maximum rating of 50 percent for the headache disorder was not granted from February 22, 2018 onwards. A separate compensable rating for TBI under Diagnostic Code 8045 was also denied.