Migraines & headaches decisions — 2023

The Veteran is granted TDIU due to her service-connected headache disability and SMC based on a single service-connected disability rated as 100% disabling. The left ankle, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and other conditions are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's headaches have been granted service connection, but a new VA examination is needed to determine the current severity and whether his condition has worsened. For his right knee disability, a new VA examination is required to assess its nature and etiology, including whether it is related to service or aggravated by other conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence.,Further examination is required as the July 2013 VA audiological examination was inadequate.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing or maintaining gainful employment prior to November 22, 2019.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine on an extraschedular basis was denied. The Board found that the disability picture is adequately described by the existing schedular criteria, and thus, no extraschedular evaluation was warranted. Additionally, the Veteran's claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities from June 1, 2022, was granted.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70 percent prior to June 21, 2023. The Board granted a TDIU due to the service-connected PTSD and SMC based on housebound status prior to that date.

The Board has decided that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claim of service connection for a heart disability, including coronary artery disease. The case will be remanded to allow for further examination and opinion.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a migraine headache disability, finding that there was no evidence of such a condition during or within one year after service and concluding that the Veteran's current headaches are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings in excess of 10 percent for cervical spine disability and coronary artery disease have been withdrawn.,These issues are therefore dismissed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a headache disability and loss of sense of smell due to his service-connected traumatic brain injury (TBI) disability. The claims are being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a headache disorder and lumbar spine disability due to insufficient medical opinions addressing the relationship between these conditions and service.

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

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a tick bite, other than headaches is granted. The claim for TDIU prior to February 10, 2016 is denied. The claims for service connection for IBS and PTSD are remanded.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased rating claims regarding right wrist, right hand (including arthritis), left foot, right foot, and headache disabilities. The Board dismissed the appeal as a result.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as she withdrew her request for review of the decisions regarding service connection for hemorrhoids, shortness of breath, and the assigned initial 30 percent rating for migraine headaches.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's migraine headaches as secondary to his service-connected PTSD with depressive disorder and alcohol abuse, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise regarding this claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding his PTSD, nausea and vomiting, OSA, and headache disorder.

The Veteran's claims for tinnitus, left ear hearing loss, and right shoulder impingement syndrome and bicipital tendon tear have been denied as there is no evidence of a claim prior to the effective dates assigned.,The Veteran's GERD has been granted service connection secondary to medications used to treat his service-connected musculoskeletal disabilities.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating for migraine headaches was denied, and her request for an increased rating for patellofemoral syndrome (left knee) is remanded.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the claims for service connection for sleep apnea and migraines.