Migraines & headaches decisions — 2023

PTSD and migraine headaches have been granted service connection, with PTSD receiving a 70% rating.

The Board has determined that the claims for increased ratings and service connection are inextricably intertwined with the TBI claim, so all three issues must be remanded. Additionally, a new examination is needed to assess the severity of the Veteran's dizziness and complete an Ear Conditions Questionnaire. An addendum opinion is also required regarding whether the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is aggravated by service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for tension headaches has been denied as his headache symptoms do not meet the criteria for such a rating.,The Veteran's adjustment disorder is remanded due to allegations of worsening since the last examination, and a new VA examination is needed to assess its current severity.,The Veteran's right shin splints are remanded because he alleges that they have worsened since the last examination, necessitating a new VA examination.,The Veteran's left medial tibial stress syndrome with left leg pain is also remanded due to allegations of worsening and requires a new VA examination.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for left leg nerve damage is remanded as it may be related to his service-connected left medial tibial stress syndrome, necessitating an opinion from the examiner.,The Veteran's TDIU claim is inextricably intertwined with the other claims and must be deferred until those claims are resolved.

The petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for hypertension, claimed as high blood pressure is granted.,The petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for loss of sensation, numbness, and weakness in the bilateral upper extremities is granted.,The petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is granted.,The petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for a back disability is granted.,The petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for a chronic pain disability is granted.,The petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for erectile dysfunction is granted.,The petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral flatfeet is granted.,The petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for GERD is granted.,The petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for hemorrhoids is granted.,The petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for hepatitis C is granted.,The petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for a cervical spine disability is granted.,The petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for a headache disability is granted.,The petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for a sinus disability is granted.,The petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for an eye disability, claimed as dry eyes and allergies is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal should be re-docketed under the Legacy system and her April 2019 VA Form 10182 is accepted as a timely Notice of Disagreement (NOD) for the issues on appeal. The issues will not be returned to the Board unless she perfects an appeal by filing a timely VA Form 9.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for migraines was denied as the evidence did not show very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for right fifth toe fracture was denied as the evidence did not show moderately severe or severe disability.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability and migraines, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to her military service. The claims were reopened due to new evidence received since the last final denial.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for a higher rating for migraines and entitlement to total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The Board dismissed these appeals.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain or maintain gainful employment, and thus denied his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination reports and insufficient opinions regarding service connection for migraine headaches, including as secondary to psychiatric disability and/or Southwest Asia service exposure.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability. The claims for service connection for sleep apnea and migraines are remanded due to potential toxic exposure from burn pits during active duty.

The Veteran's claims for service connection related to chronic headaches, left shoulder disorder, left hand disorder, right hip disorder, and left hip disorder have been reopened. Service connection has been granted for these conditions.

The Board dismissed all appeals as the Veteran withdrew his appeals prior to a decision being made.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and denied an initial compensable rating for migraine headaches. The decision is based on the Veteran's reported symptoms in service, which were early manifestations of OSA.

The claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding the Veteran's exposure history and etiology of his seizure disorder, fatigue, headaches, and psychiatric condition.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including PTSD, left ear hearing loss, foot conditions, cervical and lumbar spine conditions, sleep apnea, TBI, headaches, and seizures. The Veteran was not provided with a VA examination for his feet or headaches, and additional records are needed regarding an accident in Tennessee.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, CFS, dysphagia, GERD, headaches, a heart condition, high blood pressure, muscle and joint pain, and neurological problems. The case is remanded for further action on the left ankle disability.,Service connection was not granted for skin issues as they were considered undiagnosed Gulf War symptoms.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date prior to December 19, 2017, for the grant of service connection for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity. The decision also remanded her claim for service connection for a Gulf War undiagnosed illness.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal for service connection of tension headaches before the Board could make a decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for TBI, hypertension, right ear hearing loss, Meniere's disease, tinnitus, migraines, and neurocardiogenic syncope. The AOJ implemented this decision in a June 2023 rating decision.