Migraines & headaches decisions — 2023

The Veteran's service-connected conditions did not meet the criteria for additional SMC on account of the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased disability rating for TBI other than headaches and vertigo is being remanded due to the failure of the RO to schedule a VA examination as per previous Board directives.

The Veteran's TBI residuals are denied as the evidence is inconclusive regarding whether they are separate from his service-connected mental health condition. The tension headache condition is granted on a direct basis, while the left foot conditions (bilateral flat feet) and right knee condition are denied due to pre-existing status.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including migraines, back condition, and psychiatric condition, have rendered her unemployable. The Board has referred the matter to the VA Director of Compensation Services for extraschedular consideration.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examinations and needs further evaluation of the Veteran's service-connected TBI.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a bad conduct discharge, finding that his entire period of active service is a bar to VA benefits.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for nasal septum deviation and a compensable disability rating for migraine headaches prior to January 28, 2020. The evidence did not support finding that the conditions began during active service or were related to an in-service injury.

The Veteran's headaches are found to be related to his service-connected hypertension, and the claim for diabetes mellitus is remanded.

The Board has determined that additional remand is necessary to obtain updated treatment records, conduct new examinations for PTSD and TBI residuals, and determine the Veteran's employment status. The claims of increased ratings for PTSD and TBI residuals, as well as entitlement to a TDIU, are being remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation prior to May 29, 2020, and in excess of 30 percent thereafter, for service-connected migraines was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show characteristic prostrating attacks of migraines at any time during the appeal period.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the cause of his right ear hearing loss, tinnitus, and headaches following a March 1998 VA surgical procedure. The Board requests additional opinions from an appropriately qualified clinician to determine if these conditions are related to the surgery and whether they were caused by negligence or lack of proper skill on the part of VA.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development, including new examinations to determine the severity of the Veteran's service-connected headaches and hypertension. The issues include entitlement to increased ratings for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for right wrist, right hand, fractured rib residuals, gastrointestinal disability (claimed as gastritis), and migraine disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development of medical records.

The Board has remanded the cases due to incomplete service treatment records and requests for further development, including obtaining additional STRs from Salerno, Afghanistan in 2012.

The Veteran's appeals seeking higher ratings for TBI, adjustment disorder, and headaches have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of these appeals.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connection due to in-service noise exposure.,Service connection for head injury residuals is denied as there is no current diagnosis of such condition and the evidence does not support a link between an in-service injury and any current disability.,Bilateral hearing loss is remanded as additional opinion is needed regarding its onset and relation to service.,Migraine headaches are remanded as additional opinion is needed regarding their onset and relation to service.

The Board has granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the housebound rate since August 10, 2017 due to the Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability. Prior to this date, SMC was denied as his other service-connected disabilities did not combine to reach a rating of 60 percent.

The Veteran's claim for a rating of 50 percent for headaches has been granted. Other claims have been reopened and are pending further review.

The Board has granted service connection for cervicogenic headaches, but the case is remanded for further development regarding unspecified sleep apnea.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, hypothyroidism, and headaches due to insufficient medical evidence. The Veteran is required to undergo VA examinations to determine if his current conditions are related to service.