Migraines & headaches decisions — 2023

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for sleep apnea and migraine headaches due to insufficient evidence, including an inaccurate VA examiner's opinion. The Veteran needs a new examination to determine if his symptoms are related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and remand directives for a new VA examination. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the increased rating claim.

The Veteran's service connection claims for headaches and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity are granted. The claim for a compensable rating for hemorrhoids is denied.

The Veteran's appeals for a compensable rating for right lateral epicondylitis, service connection for left arm disorder, migraine disorder, left elbow disorder, bilateral metatarsalgia, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder), and thyroid disorder have been dismissed.,The Veteran withdrew her appeals for these specific issues at a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board denied service connection for a headache disability and sleep apnea as there is no persuasive evidence of current diagnoses related to the Veteran's service.,The Veteran's contentions were not supported by medical evidence, and his subjective complaints did not result in functional impairment of earning capacity.

The Veteran's migraine headaches have been rated at a 30 percent since October 2, 2018. The Board found that the Veteran experienced characteristic prostrating attacks occurring on an average once a month over the last several months.

The Veteran's tension headaches are remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.,The Veteran's left leg sciatica and radiating pain are remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.

Service connection for right hip strain and headaches has been granted.,The Veteran's left elbow strain remains under review.

The Veteran's claim for higher initial disability ratings for his service-connected headaches from January 10, 2011, to November 11, 2022 is being remanded due to procedural issues.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty-to-assist error, requiring an addendum opinion from a VA doctor regarding whether the Veteran's conditions are related to the September 21, 2018, VA audiological evaluation.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for neck/upper back disability and headaches due to inadequate VA medical opinions. The AOJ will obtain new opinions addressing the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as secondary to his service-connected Meniere's Disease.,Service connection for migraine headaches is remanded due to inadequate nexus opinion and potential association with a service-connected disability.,Service connection for supraventricular tachycardia (claimed as chest pain) is remanded due to inadequate nexus opinion and lack of in-service diagnosis or treatment records.,Service connection for bladder incontinence is remanded due to inadequate nexus opinion and potential association with a service-connected disability.,Service connection for sleep apnea is remanded due to inadequate nexus opinion and lack of in-service diagnosis or treatment records.,Service connection for ischemic stroke is granted.

The Veteran's headache disability is granted as service connected. The issues of dizziness and Meniere's disease are remanded for further examination and opinion. The issue of an acquired psychiatric disability (to include anxiety or depression) is also remanded.

The Veteran's service connection claims for COPD, OSA, HTN, and other conditions are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations to determine their etiology.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, GERD, a left ankle disability, and COPD are being remanded due to the need for additional development of the record.

The Veteran's asthma is granted as service-connected due to presumed exposure during the Persian Gulf War.,The Veteran's left hip disability and residuals of a flash burn injury to the left eye, including headaches, are remanded for further development.,Service connection for these conditions will be reconsidered based on additional evidence or examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability and a headache disability, to include migraines. The Board found no competent or credible evidence of an in-service injury or disease that could be related to these disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for a headache disability, but denied service connection for all other conditions due to lack of evidence linking them to service or service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's back condition and migraine headaches have been granted service connection, with the back condition receiving a direct grant and the migraines being rated at 50%.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for major depressive disorder and headaches due to issues with the VA examinations conducted. The Veteran's already service-connected generalized anxiety disorder and TBI should be recharacterized if appropriate.