Migraines & headaches decisions — 2023

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 40 percent for his back disability is dismissed. The extension of a temporary total rating beyond October 1, 2018, based on a period of convalescence for service-connected back disability is denied. The Veteran is granted a TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance or on housebound status is being remanded due to insufficient evidence of her current service-connected disabilities' severity. The Board also requests additional VA examinations to determine if her service-connected conditions solely result in her need for aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and opinion regarding service connection for chronic headaches and residuals of heat stroke.

The Board has granted service connection for migraine headaches, finding that the Veteran's current condition is at least as likely as not related to his active service and in-service headache complaints. The claim was remanded due to conflicting medical opinions regarding the etiology of the headaches.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various conditions including kidney disability, hypertension, heart disability (cardiomyopathy), skin disability (swollen lymph nodes), and recurrent headache disability. The Veteran is also seeking TDIU based on these disabilities.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at the highest available level of 50 percent, and his bilateral hearing loss is granted. The Veteran also receives a grant for TDIU.

The Board has denied service connection for liver damage, a headache disorder (including migraine headaches), a psychiatric disability (to include anxiety and depression), and sleep apnea as these conditions are not shown to be related to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are now rated at 50 percent from June 6, 2017.,From April 26, 2011 to November 3, 2011, the claim for TDIU is dismissed as moot due to the concurrent grant of a combined 100% rating for service-connected disabilities.,Effective November 4, 2011, the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder alone prevents her from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation. She also has additional service-connected disabilities that bring her combined rating to at least 60%. SMC is granted effective November 4, 2011.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for obstructive lung disease has been withdrawn. The Board has also remanded the claims for increased ratings for migraines and TDIU due to headaches.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals on all issues, including those for increased ratings and service connection. The Board dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's withdrawal.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims of entitlement to service connection for various conditions, including right leg disability, right knee disability, left knee disability, chronic alopecia areata (hair loss), anxiety disorder, headaches, respiratory condition, neurological condition, fatigue, skin condition, and weight loss. The claims are being remanded for further examination and consideration.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased ratings and service connection, so the Board dismissed the appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are remanded due to new evidence of worsening conditions. The Veteran is required to undergo VA examinations and complete a TDIU claim form.

The Board has dismissed the claims for service connection of abdominal pain, dry eye syndrome, and migraine headaches as they have been granted in a previous rating decision.,Your claim for an increased rating for lumbar degenerative disc disease is denied.

The Veteran's insomnia is associated with her service-connected major depressive disorder, and thus cannot be separately granted.,The Veteran has symptoms consistent with a gastrointestinal disorder but no current diagnosis of such. A new VA medical opinion is needed to determine the nature and etiology of her claimed gastrointestinal disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient explanation of the ameliorative effects of medication on the Veteran's headache severity assessment.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current hearing disability is related to noise exposure during active duty.,Service connection was denied for residuals of a traumatic brain injury (TBI), as there is no credible evidence showing a TBI occurred during active duty or qualifying ACDUTRA/INACDUTRA service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for a nerve condition, headache disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. However, these claims are still pending as additional development is required to determine their etiology.

The Veteran's representative withdrew the appeals for service connection of gout, bladder condition, migraine headaches, gastrointestinal problems, elbow condition, hip condition, bilateral knee condition, and tinnitus. As a result, these claims are dismissed.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding service connection for headaches. The Veteran's current headache conditions are being evaluated again with a new VA examination.