Migraines & headaches decisions — 2022

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including headaches, sleep apnea, and knee problems, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment since December 18, 2018. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on unemployability (TDIU) effective from that date.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed headaches, which may be related to service or secondary to his service-connected TBI residuals.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral plantar fasciitis with pes planus, lumbosacral strain and degenerative disc disease, left lower extremity radiculopathy of the femoral nerve, onychomycosis, migraine headaches, and corneal opacity in both eyes, have caused him to be unemployable since June 3, 2019. The Board has granted a TDIU effective June 3, 2019.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of service connection for migraine headaches, left knee condition (patellofemoral pain syndrome), and obstructive sleep apnea. The appeals are remanded for further action on the remaining issues.

The Veteran's claims for headaches and low back disability are granted. The claim for right leg pain is remanded due to the need for further development.

The Veteran's migraine headaches and degenerative disc disease with arthritis of the lumbar spine have been granted disability evaluations, with the migraine headaches receiving a 50% evaluation and the degenerative disc disease with arthritis of the lumbar spine receiving a 40% evaluation. The Veteran has also been granted entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including headaches, lumbar strain, right thigh impairment (claimed as a right hip condition), degenerative arthritis of the right hip with limitation of flexion, and right leg length disparity, are being remanded for further examination to reassess their severity. Additionally, her claim for service connection for GERD and/or gastroenteritis is also being remanded.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea, PTSD, and headache disability have rendered him unable to work throughout the period on appeal. His combined service-connected disabilities meet the criteria for a TDIU.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings on asthma, headaches, right quadricep tear, right shoulder disability, and left knee disability have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.,The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings on anxiety disorder, bilateral plantar fasciitis, lumbar facet arthropathy, right knee disability, and left shoulder disability are being remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for clarification on whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone render him in need of regular aid and attendance. The case is being remanded for a VA examination to determine the functional impairment attributable to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for a left knee disorder, but dismissed all other claims of service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for headaches but remanded the issue of service connection for vertigo due to incomplete records and inadequate examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any residuals of TBI. The Veteran's claims for service connection and SMC based on need for aid and attendance are inextricably intertwined.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a headache disability is granted. The claims for service connection for a skin disability and IBS are remanded.

The Board has remanded the TDIU claim due to procedural issues and the need for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and conducting a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to the Veteran's failure to report for scheduled VA examinations. The issues of service connection for upper respiratory condition, pulmonary condition, gastrointestinal condition, PTSD, acquired psychiatric disorder, and headaches are being returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are considered to have started during her military service and continue to this day, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's left shoulder scars have been rated at 40 percent since November 20, 2021.,The Veteran's headaches have been rated at 30 percent since November 20, 2021.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, carpal tunnel syndrome of the right upper extremity, migraines, vertigo or other balance disorder, and hypertension due to issues with evidence development and examination requirements.

The Veteran's TBI residuals, including overlapping psychiatric impairment and vertigo, are rated at 100 percent effective April 6, 2022. He also receives special monthly compensation (SMC) at the statutory housebound rate from that date.