Migraines & headaches decisions — 2023

The Board has determined that there has not been substantial compliance with previous remand directives and the Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches must be remanded to obtain missing private records, an adequate examination, and further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, a back condition, a neck condition, and a left shoulder condition due to insufficient evidence. The Court found that the Board erred by relying on an outdated VA opinion and failed to address whether the Veteran's migraine headaches are encompassed within his cervicogenic headaches.

The Veteran's PTSD, combined with other service-connected conditions, rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment prior to February 22, 2019. From that date onward, his PTSD alone meets the criteria for a TDIU.

For the appellate period prior to January 4, 2016, the Veteran's headaches were rated at 30 percent.,Beginning January 4, 2016, the Veteran was granted a 50 percent disability rating for her headaches.

The Board has found deficiencies in the VA examination reports and has ordered further examinations to determine service connection for various disabilities, including psychiatric disorders, headaches, dizziness, hip and knee conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for new VA examinations and a supplemental statement of the case.

The Board has determined that additional examinations and opinions are needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection, rating increases, and special monthly compensation due to his TBI and related conditions. The issues include secondary service connection for loss of sense of smell and taste, as well as cervical strain and migraine headaches.

The Veteran's appeal for attorney fees is remanded due to incomplete compliance with contested claims procedures. The case will be readjudicated and a supplemental statement of the case provided to both parties.

The Board has remanded the cases for further examination and opinion regarding service connection for recurrent right wrist and hand disabilities, including carpel tunnel syndrome, and recurrent headache disabilities, including migraine and dizziness. The issues are being returned to the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) for additional development.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are now rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating allowed under VA criteria.,PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent and does not warrant an increased rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for headaches and vertigo or a balance disorder to determine if they are related to service, particularly as secondary to his service-connected tinnitus. The VA examiner will consider in-service noise exposure, temperature differences, malaria pills, and medical literature provided by the Veteran.

The Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for cervical spine disability was dismissed. His claims for service connection for left shoulder and right shoulder disabilities were also dismissed.,Service connection for tension headaches, secondary to service connected disabilities (left ankle sprain residuals, tinnitus, major depressive disorder), is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a right foot disorder, headache disorder, and whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for entitlement to service connection for a psychiatric disorder (schizophrenia). The AOJ is instructed to obtain the appellant's missing medical treatment records from his U.S. Army Reserves service.

The Veteran's GERD is rated at 30 percent effective April 3, 2017.,The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 30 percent from April 3, 2017 to February 1, 2021.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an intestinal disability and headaches, finding no current disabilities.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of bilateral foot disability and remanded the issue of reducing his rating for migraines. The reduction in the migraines' rating was found to be improper due to lack of improvement in functional capacity.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals of the claims for mild traumatic brain injury, headaches, and fatigue.

The Veteran's headaches are rated at 50 percent since April 7, 2015. The Board found that the evidence supports a higher rating based on very frequent and prolonged attacks.,For his sinus disorder, the Veteran is currently rated at 30 percent. The Board determined that he does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 6513.

The Veteran's mixed headaches and major depressive disorder associated with TBI are being remanded for further evaluation.,A new examination is required to assess the severity of the Veteran's conditions, including his TBI.

The Board denied service connection for a nose disorder and headaches, finding that the Veteran's preexisting nose condition was not aggravated by service.,The Veteran's headaches are not considered secondary to his service-connected nasal disorder.