Migraines & headaches decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for an effective date of November 3, 1988, for the award of service connection for migraine headaches has been granted. The reduction from a 10 percent rating to a noncompensable rating for service-connected migraine headaches was improper and the 10 percent rating is restored as of December 4, 2019.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at a 30 percent level, reflecting an average of once a month with characteristic prostrating attacks that impact his employment.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on these issues have been dismissed as the claims were withdrawn by his representative.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for lumbar degenerative disc disease, left knee disability, herpes, migraines, depression, anxiety, and PTSD due to a failure to obtain VA examinations.

The Board has remanded multiple claims for service connection due to the Veteran's reported symptoms and medical history, including exposure to herbicide agents in Thailand. The issues are related to heart disorder (CAD), sleep disorder (claimed as sleep apnea), bilateral lower extremity edema, respiratory disorder, back disability, erectile dysfunction, headaches, slurred speech, neurocognitive disorder, blurred vision, and tiredness.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been presented for reconsideration of the claim for sinus and migraine headaches. The Veteran's claims are remanded to allow for a VA examination to clarify the nature and etiology of his headaches.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for migraines and tinnitus has been dismissed as she withdrew her appeal.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to December 4, 2009, for a 40 percent rating for TBI with migraine headaches (previously Cephalgia) as residuals of a GSW to the skull is dismissed.

The Veteran's migraines are granted as secondary to his service-connected tinnitus.,The Veteran's Meniere's disease is granted as secondary to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and service-connected tinnitus.,The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU and SMC based on the need for aid and attendance of another person from July 9, 2009 to September 1, 2010 due to insufficient evidence showing that his service-connected disabilities made him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection, while his claims for a headache disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder (to include memory loss), sleep disorder, hypertension, left shoulder pain, right shoulder pain, left hip pain, and right hip pain are denied.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection of migraine headaches should be remanded to allow VA to obtain relevant medical records and schedule a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are not of sufficient severity to produce unemployability, and the Board finds that she is not unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due solely to her service-connected conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches, to include migraines, finding that his current headache disability did not manifest during service or for years thereafter and is not otherwise etiologically related to his active service.

The Veteran's migraines are rated at a maximum of 50 percent, effective from the date of this decision.

The Veteran's service-connected post-traumatic headaches were denied a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to May 15, 2023 and from May 15, 2023 onwards.,The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with TBI was granted an initial disability rating of 50 percent prior to July 29, 2023 but denied a higher rating thereafter.

The Veteran's claim to reopen service connection for a sleep disorder has been granted.,The Veteran's claims to reopen service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, headaches, and a disability manifested by thickened saliva have also been granted.

The Veteran's GERD, allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis, migraine headaches, back disability, and sleep apnea are all granted. The claims for service connection for migraine headaches, a back disability, and sleep apnea are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.

The appeal concerning service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is dismissed. The Veteran's left ankle sprain, hypertension, headaches, gastritis, and thyroid condition are all granted with the appropriate ratings.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty-to-assist error and an inadequate medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's migraines and his service-connected tinnitus.