Migraines & headaches decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) prior to November 13, 2020. The appeal is referred to VA's Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches and traumatic brain injury were improperly reduced from 30% and 40%, respectively, to noncompensable effective September 14, 2018. The ratings are restored.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a TBI has been reopened, but the evidence does not establish that his TBI was incurred in service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches secondary to TBI has also been reopened. The evidence does not show that his headaches began within the applicable presumptive period or are otherwise related to his TBI.

The Veteran's right trigeminal neuropathy, claimed as numbness in the face, is granted as secondary to his service-connected temporomandibular joint dysfunction. The issues of service connection for headaches and allergic rhinitis are remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's headache disability is related to his service-connected PTSD or if it had onset during active service.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at the maximum schedular rating of 50 percent for the entire rating period on appeal, which is productive of very frequent, completely prostrating and prolonged attacks.

The Veteran's service connection claims for a headache disorder and obstructive sleep apnea have been granted. Effective dates prior to August 1, 2018, are not warranted.,Service connection for the cervical spine disability, left ankle disability, and right ankle disability has been dismissed due to withdrawal of appeals.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise regarding whether the Veteran's headaches and depression are related to his military service, including his service-connected tinnitus. As a result, service connection for both conditions is granted.

The Veteran is granted a higher rate of SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(m) based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected conditions, which include generalized sarcoidosis with headaches, cardiomegaly associated with generalized sarcoidosis with headaches, bilateral diabetic retinopathy with macular edema and cataract, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of both upper and lower extremities, major depressive disorder, erectile dysfunction, and dermatitis. The Veteran is in receipt of a combined total evaluation for compensation of 100 percent from July 22, 2008.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of entitlement to an initial compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for headaches due to incomplete development and procedural issues.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected mixed tension and vascular migraine headaches was denied. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for a gastrointestinal disability due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Board has granted the Veteran's motion to vacate their decision on the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, migraine headaches, and acquired psychiatric disorder due to a procedural error in not acknowledging an extension request. The cases are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are related to her service-connected chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. The left hip disability, right hip disability, and right knee disability were not found to be related to service or a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for migraine headaches associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI) is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's postsurgical migraine headaches have been rated at 10% since March 6, 2017. The Board has now granted a higher rating of 30%, effective from March 6, 2017.

The Veteran's migraine headaches and related disabilities were granted a higher rating from April 13, 2016. A TDIU was also granted for the same period due to her service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected TBI and headaches have prevented him from maintaining substantially gainful employment since August 29, 2012. The Board granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) effective that date.

The Veteran's lumbar spine condition has been granted service connection. The Board also found that the Veteran's bilateral hip, leg, and foot conditions are related to his now service-connected lumbar spine condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection for severe headaches, and a new VA opinion is needed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss, bilateral pes planus with plantar fascitis, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. The Veteran's seborrheic dermatitis was diagnosed during service and is considered to be related to service. Headaches are denied as well.