Migraines & headaches decisions — 2022

The Veteran's initial rating for chronic tension headaches is denied, and his initial rating for lumbosacral strain (prior to November 23, 2019) is also denied. However, a 20% rating is granted from November 23, 2019, for the lumbosacral strain.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, and migraines were increased to a 100 percent rating in the January 2021 decision. The Veteran was also granted total disability due to individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for acid reflux, bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, residuals of left ankle fracture, and urinary incontinence secondary to a psychiatric disorder. The other claims remain denied as new evidence does not relate to these issues.

The Board has granted an effective date of April 10, 2001 for the award of a TDIU and established basic eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for TBI residuals, post-concussive seizures, and tinnitus have been granted. The Veteran also received a grant of TDIU benefits from November 14, 2019, and SMC based on the statutory housebound rate.

The Veteran's post-traumatic headaches are currently rated at 30 percent from November 8, 2010, to January 11, 2018. From January 12, 2018, the claim for a higher rating is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to uncertainty about whether the Veteran's migraine headaches are related to his service-connected neck disability.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a sleep disorder, and various other conditions. The case is returned to the AOJ for further development of records and for additional examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for tension headaches, atrial septal defect heart disability, and Gilbert's Disease and a right kidney cyst due to incomplete information or need for further development.

The Veteran's petition to reopen the claim for service connection for chronic headaches has been granted. The Board also remanded the issue of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) with residual symptoms including headaches, finding that the Veteran suffered from a TBI during active service and continues to experience headaches as a result.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been dismissed as the Veteran requested that his appeal be withdrawn from the legacy appeal system and considered under the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) review system.

The Board denied service connection for a head injury, to include headaches and chronic pain syndrome due to lack of evidence showing the condition was incurred in or caused by service. The TDIU claim prior to March 21, 2017 is remanded for further review.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, and cervicogenic headaches. However, due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran regarding his peripheral neuropathy and hand conditions, these issues are being remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings for various conditions, including gastrointestinal disorder, pitting edema, chronic fatigue, chronic pain of the entire body, left knee disability, right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, left ankle disability, right ankle disability, TMJ, migraine headaches, and acquired psychiatric disorder. The reasons are that the Veteran did not attend necessary VA examinations as required by law.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a left wrist disability and headaches due to inadequate examination reports. Further development is required, including obtaining VA treatment records, service personnel records, and scheduling the Veteran for examinations.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis and migraines have been granted a rating, but the ratings for migraines are denied prior to January 21, 2021, and after July 27, 2022. The Veteran is currently rated with a 10 percent disability rating for migraines as of July 27, 2022.

The Veteran's headaches and depressive disorder have been granted initial ratings, but the claims for higher ratings are being remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has denied service connection for headaches and a skin condition (claimed as acne and skin nodules) due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between these conditions and service, including exposure in the Southwest Asia Theater of Operations.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to address pre-decisional duty to assist errors in connection with the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including headaches, TBI, shoulder disabilities, gastrointestinal issues, and fibromyalgia.