Migraines & headaches decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claims for increased rating of left wrist disorder, service connection for migraine headaches, and service connection for lumbosacral strain have all been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for the left wrist disorder or service connection for the other two conditions.

The Board has denied service connection for PTSD due to the lack of a current diagnosis. Service connection is remanded for cervical spine and headache disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings was denied. The rating for migraine headaches remains at 50 percent, and the rating for right shoulder disability from November 20, 2009 to September 14, 2015 is also denied.

The Board has denied a compensable rating for hypertension and granted a separate rating of 30 percent for headaches due to service-connected hypertension. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination, including obtaining medical opinions on the nature and etiology of the Veteran's headaches and right foot conditions. The TDIU claim remains pending as it is intertwined with the right foot rating claim.

The Veteran's lumbar strain is not entitled to an initial rating in excess of 10 percent prior to January 30, 2019 and in excess of 20 percent thereafter.,The Veteran's OSA is not entitled to a rating in excess of 50 percent.,The Veteran's headaches are not entitled to an initial compensable rating prior to November 30, 2019.

The Board has determined that another remand is necessary to obtain a proper medical opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed TBI and its relationship to service, specifically an injury to the nose in 1998.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional examinations to assess the current severity and etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, acquired psychiatric condition (depression), and migraine headaches. The claims are being returned due to delays in scheduling VA examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for migraine headaches and post-concussive vertigo, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to his in-service head injuries.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of any residuals from a right eye injury, including headaches and pain in the area. The Veteran's reports will be considered along with service treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected headaches did not prevent him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment prior to September 22, 2011.

The Veteran's post-traumatic headaches are now rated at the maximum schedular rating of 50 percent, effective October 26, 2021. The disability is characterized by very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for SMC based on need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities. The decision denied entitlement to a compensable rating prior to October 29, 2020 and a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected TBI beginning October 29, 2020.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for PTSD, left index finger scar, tension headaches, and TDIU due to inadequate medical opinions. The Veteran will need to provide additional evidence of his service-connected conditions and their impact on his daily life.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date of August 19, 2013, for the grant of service connection for major depressive disorder is granted.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his major depressive disorder is denied. The symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 50 percent.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete records and a need for an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's claimed dizzy spells and headaches. The case will be returned to the RO for further action.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for TBI, as his cognitive impairment was rated at 10 percent. His hearing loss disability is also rated at 10 percent. Service connection for right and left knee disabilities, lumbar strain, and SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance were all remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of migraine headaches and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine were denied. The Veteran is presumed to seek the maximum available benefit, so these issues remain on appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis with headaches and allergic rhinitis, finding that the evidence is in approximate balance as to whether these conditions had their onset during active service.

The Board dismissed the appeals for increased ratings and TDIU as the appellant withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.