Migraines & headaches decisions — 2023

The Board has dismissed the claim for TDIU prior to January 31, 2019 due to maximization of compensation. The case is remanded for referral to the Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including traumatic brain injury and related conditions, have resulted in a TDIU effective February 16, 2023.

The Board has remanded the case due to a Joint Motion for Remand (JMR) issued by the Veteran's representative and the VA Office of the General Counsel. The JMR requested that the Board address the issue of SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance, including evidence provided during the December 2021 hearing where the Veteran's spouse stated he cannot be around bodies of water without being reminded.

The Veteran's service-connected tension headaches are currently rated at 30 percent from November 1, 2021 to September 12, 2022. The Board finds that the evidence is in approximate balance as to whether a higher rating is warranted for this period.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection and initial compensable rating for allergic rhinitis, back condition, headaches, and mouth condition due to additional evidence being added to the record.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed disabilities and exposure. The Veteran is required to undergo VA examinations to determine if his current conditions are related to his alleged chemical exposures during service.

The Veteran's initial compensable disability rating for migraine headaches is denied.,Service connection for pseudo-seizures is also denied.

The Veteran's ocular migraines have been granted a 50% rating, but the issues of left and right ankle pain are remanded for further examination.,An increased rating in excess of 30 percent for short bowel syndrome is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to inadequate opinions and need for additional evidence. The Veteran's service connection claims are being returned to the RO for additional examination and opinion.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary for the Veteran's claims of service connection for headache and left knee disabilities due to burn pit exposure. The Veteran will need to provide additional medical evidence, obtain VA examinations, and have their records reviewed.

The Veteran's asthma is granted service connection under the PACT Act, while other conditions are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, depressive disorder, TBI, and related disabilities, were denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis or link to service.

The Board has dismissed the claim for service connection of tinnitus due to a prior grant in March 2020. The issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and neurological condition (to include headaches) are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate VA examinations and missing medical records.

The Board denied service connection for flat feet, headaches, and a psychiatric disorder due to lack of evidence showing the conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.,The Veteran's flat feet are not considered secondary to any service-connected disability. The Board found no evidence of continuous symptoms post-service that would support aggravation beyond normal progression.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for HIV, right knee disability, low back disability, and headaches due to outstanding treatment records and a VA medical opinion on the etiology of his headache disability.

The Veteran's claim for increased rating of other specified trauma- and stressor-related disorder was denied as the increase in disability did not occur within one year prior to September 20, 2016.,The Veteran's claim for increased rating of migraine headaches was denied as the increase in disability did not occur within one year prior to September 20, 2016.,The Veteran's claim for increased rating of left ankle lateral collateral ligament sprain was denied as the increase in disability did not occur within one year prior to September 27, 2019.,The Veteran's claim for increased rating of left knee strain was denied as the increase in disability did not occur within one year prior to November 5, 2020.,The Veteran's claim for increased rating of right knee strain was denied as the increase in disability did not occur within one year prior to November 5, 2020.,The Veteran's claim for increased rating of cervical strain with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) was denied as the increase in disability did not occur within one year prior to September 27, 2019.,The Veteran's claim for increased rating of right upper extremity radiculopathy was denied as the increase in disability did not occur within one year prior to September 27, 2019.,The Veteran's claim for increased rating of left upper extremity radiculopathy of the left upper extremity was denied as the increase in disability did not occur within one year prior to November 21, 2019.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for service connection of a left foot injury with burns. Service connection is granted for tinnitus. The appeals for bilateral hearing loss, thoraco-lumbar spine disability, and headaches/migraines are remanded.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for migraines as secondary to her service-connected generalized anxiety disorder.

The Board has determined that the appeal is remanded for further examination and evaluation, including by a neurologist to address the nature and severity of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities. The issues include service connection for right upper extremity neuropathy secondary to ACM with associated neurological disorders of spinal cord syrinx and tethered spinal cord, higher initial ratings for left upper extremity neuropathy, ACM with associated neurological disorders of spinal cord syrinx and tethered spinal cord, and migraine headaches.