Migraines & headaches decisions — 2023

The Veteran's TBI disability is granted at a 40 percent evaluation prior to July 23, 2018. The Veteran's migraine headaches are granted at a 50 percent evaluation from December 16, 2017 until July 23, 2018.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for migraines, cervical disability, and left knee disability were denied. The rating for migraines was not granted as the attacks did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. For cervical disability, the claim was denied as the current rating already reflects the maximum schedular rating. For left knee disability, no specific rating was assigned.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches was denied because the evidence did not support a link between his current headaches and active service. His claim for TDIU prior to September 25, 2015 was also denied as he had multiple service-connected disabilities that did not preclude his employability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection on appeal are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions. The issues include bilateral hearing loss, heart disorder, headaches, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, visual disorder, skin disorders, and respiratory disorders.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical records and a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current symptoms, including depression, headaches, nightmares, and sleep disruptions, are related to his in-service head injury.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was denied ratings in excess of the current assigned ratings.,The Veteran's migraines were granted a 50 percent rating effective July 12, 2017.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete service records and inadequate VA examinations. The Veteran's complete military personnel file, separation examination reports, and any outstanding medical records are required. Further evaluations by VA are needed to address the etiology of his current disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a thorough examination to determine the nature and severity of his TBI.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied as his service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's initial rating for migraine headaches prior to July 2, 2019 was denied. A rating of 50 percent for the period from July 2, 2019 to October 10, 2019 is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD, chronic headaches, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and residuals of a fracture of the left ring finger due to incomplete compliance with prior requests for verification of in-service stressor events.

The Veteran's headaches are granted service connection. The right shoulder disability ratings for limitation of motion and DJD status post dislocation and SLAP tear remain unchanged, but the rating for painful scars is increased to 20 percent from March 3, 2017 to February 19, 2019.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss, service connection for various conditions including bladder disorder, migraine disorder (claimed as light sensitivity), eye disorder, skin disorder, toenail disorder, fingernail disorder, impotency, acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, and loss of sensation of the upper and lower extremities. The claims are being remanded due to failure to provide VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for insomnia, bilateral hand shakes/tremors, headache disorder, gastritis, and bilateral hearing loss due to additional development being needed.

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with previous directives and a need for further examination of the Veteran's neurological conditions, including migraines.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for tension headaches.

The Veteran's claim for a 100% rating for panic disorder, effective December 29, 2016, is granted. The Board finds that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether the symptoms and overall impairment caused by the Veteran's panic disorder more nearly approximated total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD is denied a rating in excess of 50 percent. Ratings for left and right knee conditions are granted, but not in excess of the current assigned ratings. Service connection is established for headaches, residuals from carpal tunnel release on the right wrist, and right wrist scar.

The Board has denied service connection for chronic sinusitis, migraine headaches, and a cervical spine disability. The Veteran's osteopenia is remanded for further evaluation. Initial ratings are remanded for the left elbow disability, right knee degenerative joint disease, and left knee degenerative joint disease. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is also remanded.