Migraines & headaches decisions — 2023

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability and insufficient medical evidence to establish a link between active service and headaches.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's migraines, hypertension, skin disorder, kidney disorder, and diabetes mellitus, type II, require further examination to determine their etiology. The claims are being remanded for these examinations.

The Veteran's rating for migraine headaches was restored to 30 percent, and a 20 percent rating was granted for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine.

The Veteran's initial disability rating of 30 percent for migraine headaches from April 30, 2015 to March 5, 2023 is granted. The Veteran's request for a higher initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for migraine headaches and an initial disability rating in excess of 70 percent for TBI residuals are denied.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of June 20, 2014 for a 50 percent evaluation for service-connected headaches. The Veteran's claim was initially filed on June 20, 2014.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for an addendum opinion addressing the side effects of headache medication and whether they are caused or aggravated by the service-connected headaches.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete medical records and inadequate opinions regarding her claimed conditions. The Veteran is required to provide additional medical records, undergo VA examinations, and have their claims re-evaluated.

The Board has remanded the claim for a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's migraine headaches, including whether they are related to service or aggravated by his service-connected mental health conditions.

The Veteran's service connection claim for residuals of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is granted as the evidence shows that his TBI residuals are related to in-service head injuries.

The Veteran's claims for migraine headaches and GERD were denied as there is no evidence of a nexus to service.,There are no records indicating the Veteran had chronic migraines or GERD during service, and his current symptoms do not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic shin splints, left and right, as well as his left and right shoulder conditions, headaches, cervical spine degenerative disc disease (neck condition), radiculopathy of the upper extremities, and lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease. The Board found that there was no evidence of a current disability or in-service injury related to these conditions.,The Veteran's service treatment records did not show any complaints or diagnoses related to shin splints, shoulder conditions, headaches, cervical spine issues, or upper extremity radiculopathy. Post-service VA treatment records also failed to provide such findings.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for TBI and SMC based on need for aid and attendance due to potential toxic exposure in service, including Gulf War service. The Veteran is presumed to have a toxic exposure unless there is affirmative evidence to establish no toxic exposure.

The Board denied service connection for migraines, finding that the evidence did not show a link between the Veteran's headaches and his military service or any exposure to radiation. The opinions from VA examiners supported this conclusion.

The Veteran's migraine and tension headaches are rated at 50% from January 24, 2018 to the present. The TBI residuals are rated at 10%. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability is granted from January 24, 2018 to July 24, 2019.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches are rated at 50 percent, effective from the date of service connection. The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected muscle tension headaches is remanded due to the need for a new examination.

The Veteran's service connection claims for headaches, sleep disturbance, and fatigue are remanded due to the need for a TERA opinion.,The Veteran's service connection claims for back, left knee, right knee, and right ankle disabilities are remanded due to the need for an examination addressing both etiology and pathophysiology of the conditions.,The Veteran's service connection claim for a right foot disability (claimed as pes planus) is remanded due to the need for a TERA opinion.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus. The Veteran is also remanded for additional examinations related to his claimed disabilities, including bilateral feet, ankles, knees, shoulders, skin, frequent urination, migraines, PTSD, acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, and Bell's palsy.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are remanded due to new evidence received sufficient to reopen his previously denied claim of right shoulder condition, as well as issues regarding the severity of his left shoulder condition and potential aggravation by his service-connected right knee disability.

The Board denied service connection for lumbar spine disorder, left hip disorder, right lower extremity disorder, and left lower extremity disorder. Service connection was granted for a headache disorder.