Migraines & headaches decisions — 2022

The Board denied service connection for traumatic brain injury (TBI), vertigo, and headaches as secondary to TBI. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have been of sufficient severity to preclude him from obtaining and/or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on all issues except the bilateral leg numbness and tingling claim has been dismissed. The headache, alcohol use disorder, cervical spine, and hip disability claims have been denied.

The Veteran's claim for hypertension has been withdrawn.,Service connection is granted for cervical radiculopathy of the left upper extremity. The Veteran had cervical radiculopathy of the left upper extremity in proximity to his service-connected cervical spine disability.,Service connection is denied for a left arm disability other than cervical radiculopathy of the left upper extremity, a left hand disability other than cervical radiculopathy of the left upper extremity, a right arm disability, and a right hand disability. The evidence does not support these claims.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of headaches, left knee condition, and right knee condition due to insufficient medical opinions addressing the Veteran's lay statements and service treatment records.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are currently rated at 30 percent from December 8, 2021 to March 13, 2022. The rating is granted subject to the rules and regulations governing the payment of monetary benefits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of any claimed conditions and finds no evidence to support service connection for these disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability does not meet VA criteria for a service connection.,Service connection is granted for migraine headaches, with evidence at least in equipoise regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of his service-connected migraines has been dismissed as he withdrew the appeal through his authorized representative.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, as well as the claims for service connection for TBI and headaches.,There is insufficient evidence to establish a link between the Veteran's current conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for a thoracic spine disability and TDIU has been withdrawn. The Board has granted TDIU effective March 13, 2011.

The Board has determined that the VA-contracted examination did not provide sufficient rationale for its opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's headaches. Therefore, the case is being remanded to obtain an addendum opinion from a qualified clinician.

The Veteran's left ankle disability is granted service connection. The claims for initial compensable ratings for bilateral hearing loss, right ankle strain, and tension headaches are remanded.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection. The remaining issues are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for nosebleeds and headaches are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating of his service-connected migraine headaches disability has been dismissed as he withdrew the appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including migraine headaches and musculoskeletal conditions, have precluded her from securing or following substantially gainful employment for the entirety of the appeal period. The Board has granted a TDIU based on these service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining outstanding treatment records. The issue of a TDIU on an extraschedular basis will also be referred to the Director, Compensation Service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further evaluation due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities, including their relationship to service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation prior to February 22, 2021.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate examination regarding the Veteran's service-connected headaches and their impact on his ability to work. The TDIU claim is also being deferred until further clarification can be provided.