Migraines & headaches decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraine headaches was reopened, and the Board granted service connection for TBI with residual seizures and headaches. The issues of right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, and basic eligibility for DEA benefits were remanded.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50% prior to May 11, 2017. A higher rating is not warranted as the symptoms do not meet the criteria for a 60% or higher rating under Diagnostic Code 8100.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and rating determinations have been dismissed due to the Veteran's request for withdrawal of these issues.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for back, right knee, left knee, and left hip disabilities, as well as his rhinitis and sinus headaches. The issues are being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions addressing the relationship between these conditions and the Veteran's service.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50 percent, effective February 25, 2020. His hypertension is rated as noncompensable. The Board granted a TDIU based on the service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The Board found no current diagnosis of hearing loss and the evidence did not support a finding that his hearing loss began during or is related to service.,Service connection for allergic rhinitis and sinusitis was granted based on presumed exposure to burn pits in Southwest Asia, as part of the PACT Act.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims due to the Veteran's death.

Service connection is granted for migraine headaches and pes planus. The Veteran's sinusitis, anxiety, chest pains, neck disability, radiculopathy in the left upper extremity, and residuals of a head injury/ TBI are being remanded for further development.,The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly adjudicate the claims of service connection for sinusitis, an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as anxiety), chest pains, neck disability, radiculopathy in the left upper extremity, and residuals of a head injury/ TBI.

The Veteran's tension headaches are rated at a 10 percent disability rating, which is the maximum allowed under VA guidelines for this condition.

The Veteran's headaches, which were noted on his entrance examination and continued during service, are considered to have been aggravated by military service. The Board has granted service connection for the headache disability.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding various disability ratings and other claims before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for migraine headaches, bilateral carpal tunnel syndromes of the upper extremities, and a sleep disorder have been dismissed as they are not eligible for review under the AMA system.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and headaches have prevented him from securing and maintaining gainful employment, leading to a TDIU grant.

The Veteran's headaches resulted in very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks, leading to severe economic inadaptability. An initial maximum schedular rating of 50 percent for headaches is granted.

The Veteran's application to reopen the claim for service connection for a headache disability has been granted.,Service connection for lumbosacral strain with right lower extremity radiculopathy is granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including lumbar spine disorder, right and left shoulder disorders, cervical spine disorder, left and right ankle disorders, headaches, chronic pain syndrome, left shin splints, and right shin splints. The case is being remanded to allow for further examination and medical opinions.

The Board has remanded four issues related to the Veteran's claims for service connection, including lumbar strain, migraines, right fifth digit injury, and penis condition (including erectile dysfunction). The reasons for remand include inadequate medical opinions and missing private treatment records.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's service connection claim for headaches should be remanded due to inadequate medical opinion regarding causation and aggravation.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's migraine headaches, to include cervicogenic headaches. The TDIU claim is also inextricably intertwined with the Veteran's migraine disability and must be remanded.

The Board has denied service connection for a bilateral knee disability due to the lack of evidence of current disability. The remaining issues have been remanded for further examination and analysis.