Migraines & headaches decisions — 2023

The Board denied a rating greater than 30 percent for service-connected posttraumatic headaches and granted an effective date of December 5, 2016, for the award of a separate 30 percent rating for these headaches. The decision also noted that the appellant's headaches are part of his TBI residuals.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at a maximum of 50 percent throughout the period on appeal, effective September 12, 2013.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches and remanded the issues of service connection for headaches and vertigo due to an in-service traumatic brain injury (TBI).

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various symptoms, including joint pain, muscle pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, respiratory problems, cardiovascular symptoms (other than coronary artery disease), gastrointestinal problems, and headaches. The reasons include incomplete service treatment records and the need to obtain new medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left hip, right hip, and bilateral keratoconus were denied. The initial compensable rating for residual scars status post hernia repair and colon resection was denied, as well as the increased rating for residual painful scar status post hernia repair and colon resection.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records.

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection of whiplash injuries to the shoulders and granted a TDIU rating from September 9, 2020.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a bilateral eye condition, lumbar spine disability, and headaches due to insufficient medical opinions. Additional development is needed.

The Veteran's chronic lumbar spine, cervical spine, left elbow, and left ankle disabilities are found to be due to his honorable service. The Board has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings were dismissed as he withdrew his appeal in writing.

The Veteran's tension headaches, dizziness, and nausea are being remanded for further evaluation to determine if they can be rated under a different code or separately. The Board will also consider whether the Veteran's dizziness and/or nausea warrant separate ratings without violating the rule against pyramiding.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for fibromyalgia, left and right hand disorders, left and right wrist disorders, and headache disorder (to include migraine headaches) is denied. The Board found no current diagnoses of these conditions in the record.,Service connection for TBI or residuals thereof was also denied as there were no findings or diagnoses of a head injury or related symptoms in service or post-service.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of polyps, heart disability, right eye disability, skin disability, headaches, gastrointestinal disorder, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, and sleep disorder.,There is insufficient evidence to establish a nexus between the Veteran's conditions and his period of service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and disability ratings due to incomplete development of records, including VA treatment records. The Veteran is also being remanded for a determination on his claim for TDIU.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the Veteran's claims of higher ratings for her neck, low back, and migraine disabilities. The Veteran will need to provide any evidence in support of her claims, and she will be scheduled for new VA examinations to determine the current severity of her symptoms, including a discussion of the ameliorative impacts of her prescribed medications.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions due to a lack of VA medical records and the need for further examinations.

The Board has denied an earlier effective date for headaches and remanded the issues of service connection for various conditions due to a VA catheter ablation procedure. The Veteran's representative requested compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151, but the Board found no additional disability as a result of the procedure.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for lower neck disability and headaches due to inadequate attempts by the Regional Office to obtain his medical treatment records from NATO HQ at Film City, Kosovo. The claim must be returned for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's TBI and its residuals, including memory issues, migraines, and mood disorders. Headaches are remanded due to exposure to Gulf War conditions.

The Veteran's TDIU is granted from October 20, 2017 to December 22, 2018 and from December 23, 2017 forward due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.