Migraines & headaches decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for tension headaches and upper airway resistance syndrome, as well as an increased rating for tension headaches. The Veteran's claims are pending further development.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable evaluation of chronic allergic rhinitis has been withdrawn. An initial 30 percent evaluation is granted for recurrent headaches.,Entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied, and the Veteran's claim for seborrheic dermatitis (claimed as skin condition) and hemorrhoids are both remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for back disorder, bilateral foot disorder, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, headache disorder, and traumatic brain injury due to new evidence received after previous decisions.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee degenerative joint disease, right ankle sprain, right wrist sprain, left lower extremity varicose veins, lumbar spine condition, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and tension headaches.

A non-initial disability rating of 50 percent for migraine headaches is granted, effective February 7, 2017.,From February 7, 2017 to January 22, 2020, a non-initial disability rating of 40 percent for lumbosacral strain and arthritis is granted. From January 23, 2020 forward, the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for lumbosacral strain is denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to inconsistencies in the Veteran's service records and the need to obtain relevant medical records, including SSA disability benefits records and private treatment records. The effective date claim remains pending.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a rating of 100% effective March 21, 2018. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus was denied. Service connection for erectile dysfunction and migraine headaches secondary to PTSD was granted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for headaches is remanded due to the need for a new SSOC addressing this issue following the Board remand.

The Veteran's initial 50 percent rating for migraine headaches including migraine variants is granted since June 20, 2018. The Board found that the Veteran experienced very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new evidence and because of potential toxic exposure during active duty.

The Veteran's claims for cold injury residuals and a headache disorder, including as due to service-connected tinnitus, are being remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for migraines and hypertension due to inadequate compliance with previous remand instructions. The issues are being returned for further development.

The Board has denied service connection for a heart disability due to lack of evidence of current disability. The claims for initial compensable ratings for headaches and seizure disorder with impaired memory and attention are remanded as the Veteran has not been evaluated since his last VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues, including service connection for various conditions and rating claims. The Board has determined that further examination and/or medical opinions are needed to address these matters.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for migraine headaches and has determined that this condition is related to his service-connected obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's headache disability was incurred during active service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's tinnitus has been rated at the highest schedular rating of 10 percent, which is the maximum allowed under Diagnostic Code 6260.,Prior to March 1, 2021, the Veteran's chronic tension headaches were rated at 30 percent. After that date, they are rated as noncompensable.

An effective date prior to March 9, 2018, for the grant of service connection for right knee degenerative arthritis is denied.,A rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee degenerative arthritis is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for migraine headaches, lower back disability, erectile dysfunction, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and carpal tunnel syndrome of the bilateral upper extremities have been reopened. The claims are granted.,Service connection is established for migraine headaches as secondary to a service-connected adjustment disorder with mixed and depressed mood; for a lower back disability due to active duty service; for erectile dysfunction as secondary to a service-connected adjustment disorder with mixed and depressed mood; and for carpal tunnel syndrome of the bilateral upper extremities due to active duty service.

The Veteran's hypertension is rated at a 10 percent disability rating, effective September 11, 2013.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, does not meet the criteria for an increased rating greater than 20 percent.