Migraines & headaches decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities, including migraine headaches and traumatic brain injury. The AOJ needs to consider new evidence added since the May 2020 Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities from March 19, 2020. The evidence shows that he was unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation because of his headaches, diabetes, and other disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's headaches, including whether they are related to service or toxic exposure.

The Board has granted a 50 percent evaluation for migraine headaches, but the case is remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and to request that the Veteran complete and return a VA Form 21-8940 (Application for Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability).

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased rating for migraine headache disorder, so the case is dismissed without prejudice.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for migraine headaches was denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 8100.

The Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and sleep disturbances, is denied as there is no diagnosed condition separate from his service-connected OSA. The Veteran's claim for headaches is remanded due to inadequate opinion regarding the onset of symptoms in service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions due to inadequate examinations and insufficient medical evidence of record.

The Board has decided to remand the service connection claims for migraines and obstructive sleep apnea, as they relate to the Veteran's psychiatric disability. The Regional Office is instructed to obtain additional medical opinions from Dr. H.S., who previously provided positive nexus opinions on both conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to inadequate medical opinions and the need for further development, including verification of military service in cold weather areas.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for higher ratings and earlier effective dates for migraine headaches, GERD, and sinusitis. The issues of service connection for a liver disability, as well as earlier effective dates for GERD and sinusitis, are being remanded to determine if there was clear and unmistakable error in previous decisions.

The Veteran's hypertension has been granted service connection.,Service connection for back disability, right wrist disability, left ankle disability, and headaches have all been granted.,A compensable rating of 10 percent is assigned for the Veteran's right hand little finger disability.,An initial rating higher than 20 percent for right shoulder disability has not been granted.,An increased 20 percent rating but not higher for left knee internal derangement has been granted.

The Board has granted service connection for migraine headaches and denied service connection for PTSD. Migraine headaches are found to have started during the Veteran's first period of active duty and continue since then. Service connection for PTSD is denied as there is no current diagnosis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the evidence does not establish a current disability or link to service.,The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the evidence does not establish a medical nexus between his low back condition and service.

The Veteran's urinary retention condition is rated as a separate disability since October 5, 2022.,The Veteran's tension headaches are rated at 10 percent since April 27, 2010.

The Veteran's posttraumatic headaches are rated at a 10 percent prior to December 3, 2015, and at a 30 percent thereafter. The Board found the evidence supported a higher rating due to increased severity of symptoms from December 3, 2015.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine disorder and migraine headaches. The remaining issues of entitlement to service connection for hip and knee disorders are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected vascular headaches have not been adequately evaluated in the last 6 years, and a new VA examination is needed to determine the current severity of his condition.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and granted service connection for residuals of a head injury. The case is remanded to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for a headache disability. The remaining issues, including those related to scars of the head, closed head injury, gastrointestinal disability, PTSD, and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, are remanded due to procedural or evidentiary deficiencies.