Migraines & headaches decisions — 2023

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury, including headaches. The case is remanded for further development regarding the initial compensable ratings for hernia residuals and scar related to hernia surgery, as well as service connection for a bilateral foot disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeals were improperly placed on the AMA Hearing Docket and should be re-docketed under the Legacy system. The Veteran is advised to file a VA Form 9 if he wishes to continue his appeal.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic headache is granted as the evidence shows a relationship between his in-service motor vehicle accident and his current headaches.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and procedural errors. The claims will be reconsidered with new examinations.

The Veteran's IBS was granted a 30 percent rating from May 20, 2022. Headaches were also granted a 30 percent rating from August 8, 2018.

The Board has found that new and relevant evidence has been received to reopen the claims for service connection for PTSD, asthma, migraine headaches, and sleep apnea. The Veteran's asthma is now granted.

The Veteran's service connection for obstructive sleep apnea has been granted.,For the entire initial rating period, a 30 percent rating for cervical disc disease is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for migraine headaches and a TDIU due to the need for a new VA opinion regarding the severity of his migraines without medication.

The Veteran's kidney disorder, gastroesophageal disorder, gastrointestinal/bowel disorder, headaches, low back disorder, and neck disorder are all remanded for further examination and opinion to determine their etiology. The claims will be considered in light of the Veteran's service in the Gulf War and his reported symptoms during service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome, right upper extremity (major) and left upper extremity (minor), tension headaches, and internal hemorrhoids have been granted increased evaluations from September 14, 2017. The Veteran is also remanded for a separate rating for his ulnar neuropathy.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's headaches are caused or aggravated by his service-connected left eye disability.

The Veteran's service connection claims for obstructive sleep apnea, acne (secondary to PFB), migraines, left foot disability, and left shoulder disability have been granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating. The appeal for a higher rating is denied.,The Veteran's tension headaches are currently rated at 50 percent, and no higher rating is warranted under the current criteria.,The Veteran's TBI residuals with vertigo are currently rated at 10 percent. A remand is required to determine if a higher rating could be assigned based on the severity of the vertigo.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are granted a 30 percent rating, effective from the entire period on appeal. The ratings for left hip atrophy with limitations of extension and abduction are also granted.

The Board has granted service connection for tension headaches as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected hypertension.

The Veteran's Parkinson's disease and diabetes mellitus type II (DM-2) are granted as service-connected due to exposure to herbicide agents. The Veteran's cluster migraines remain in dispute.,The Veteran's DM-2 is denied a rating greater than 20 percent, with no compensable complications noted.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with anxious distress and generalized anxiety disorder is granted a 70 percent evaluation, effective from the date of this decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied in February 2018, but the Board finds no new and relevant evidence to warrant readjudication.,Service connection for migraines is granted. The Veteran's medical records confirm a diagnosis of migraine headaches, which he asserts began during his deployment to Southwest Asia. A private clinician opines that the Veteran's migraines are at least as likely as not related to his service exposure.,The effective date for PTSD is denied as it was received on April 24, 2019, after a Supplemental Claim was filed in June 2019. The Board finds no earlier effective date due to the timing of the claim and receipt of evidence.,Service connection for sleep apnea is granted with an initial 30% rating from June 4, 2019. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating was denied in January 2020 but later increased to 50%. The Board finds no earlier effective date due to the timing of the claims and receipt of evidence.,Service connection for fatigue (including chronic fatigue syndrome) is remanded as new evidence has not been received since an unappealed February 2018 rating decision.,Service connection for gastrointestinal symptoms (including irritable bowel syndrome) is remanded as new evidence has not been received since an unappealed February 2018 rating decision.,Service connection for left ankle disability is remanded as new evidence has not been received since an unappealed February 2018 rating decision.,Service connection for right foot disability is remanded as new evidence has not been received since an unappealed February 2018 rating decision.,Service connection for left foot disability is remanded as new evidence has not been received since an unappealed February 2018 rating decision.

The Veteran withdrew all pending appeals, including those related to migraines, IBS, and sinusitis/Allergic rhinitis.