Migraines & headaches decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for migraine headaches associated with his service-connected traumatic brain injury (TBI) is being remanded due to the Veteran failing to report for a VA examination. The case will be readjudicated after any necessary development.

The Veteran's tension headaches are granted a 30 percent rating, effective April 3, 2023. The Board found the evidence consistent with one characteristic prostrating attack per month.

The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss was denied as he did not have a current disability. The claims for diabetes, coronary artery disease, and peripheral neuropathy were granted with effective dates prior to the date of receipt of his claims.,The Veteran's sleep disorder and headache disorder claims are remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's CAD and hypertension are found to be related to his service-connected PTSD.,PTSD is not associated with the claimed conditions of tinnitus, migraine headaches, sleep disorder, right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, diverticulitis, bilateral eye disability, low back disability, or bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating higher than 10 percent for hypertension was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show diastolic pressure predominantly 110 or more, which is required for a higher rating.,Headaches were granted service connection based on secondary to a service-connected psychiatric disorder (PTSD).

A 30 percent rating for asthma is granted, separate from a rating for service-connected obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The appeals seeking reopening of a prior final denial of service connection for memory loss; service connection for fatigue, bilateral hearing loss, and hernia; increased ratings greater than 10 percent each for right knee strain with patellofemoral pain syndrome and residuals of right fifth metatarsal fracture; and an earlier effective date than May 23, 2018, for the grants of service connection for left and right knee strain with patellofemoral pain syndrome, lumbosacral strain, hypertension, tension headaches, right and left shoulder strain with glenohumeral joint instability, and asthma are dismissed.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is granted as incurred in service.,Other claims for service connection are either remanded or reopened.

The Veteran's tension headaches are granted with an initial 10 percent rating. The Board has ordered a remand for further examination to determine if the Veteran has other residuals of TBI, including dizziness and lightheadedness, which may be related to his service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the relation, if any, between the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and his headaches. The case is being remanded for an addendum opinion by a VA clinician.

The Veteran's dizziness is granted as service-connected due to his service-connected PTSD and medications.,The Veteran's headache condition, including blurry vision, is remanded for further evaluation regarding its relationship to service or service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection on multiple conditions have been remanded due to procedural issues and the need for a Statement of the Case (SOC).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of dental trauma, migraine headaches (secondary to dental trauma), TBI, and acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD and depression) due to the need for additional service treatment records. The claims are inextricably intertwined with the new and material evidence claims.

The Veteran's tension headaches are rated at 30 percent for the entire appeal period, and his recurrent abscesses with lichen simplex chronicus and residual scarring are rated at 10 percent prior to March 9, 2021, and 20 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for migraine headaches and service connection for PTSD due to military sexual trauma are being remanded as the proper NOD was not filed under the Appeals Modernization Act.

Your appeals for service connection for back pain, neck pain, right knee and leg, left knee pain, and headaches have been dismissed due to your withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a back disability and migraine headaches due to inadequate examination opinions and the need for consideration of exposure during service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations.

The Board has determined that additional evidence was submitted and requires further review by the AOJ before a final decision can be made.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and the need for VA examinations.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to restore VA disability compensation benefits for 16 days and reimburse $538.13 due to improper withholding of benefits in FY 2012. The issue regarding the withholding of benefits in FY 2013 is remanded.

An effective date of July 26, 1970, but no earlier, for the award of service connection for left wrist scar has been granted. Effective June 4, 2009, service connection was established for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. An effective date prior to June 25, 2010, for the award of service connection for migraine headaches is denied.