Migraines & headaches decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded multiple issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, diabetes, neuropathy of the extremities, headaches, and a knee disorder as there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claims of exposure to Vietnam or combat stressors.,There was also insufficient medical evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's previously denied claim for service connection of headaches has been reopened. Service connection for DMII is granted due to herbicide exposure during service. The issue of service connection for ED as secondary to DMII and allergic rhinitis remains remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for traumatic brain injury (TBI) residuals with cognitive disorder, major depressive disorder, and tension headaches have been denied. The evidence does not support a current diagnosis of TBI or any related conditions.,There is no medical evidence showing the Veteran had a TBI during or after his military service.

The Board denied service connection for various disabilities, including headaches, shoulder, hand, arm, and psychiatric conditions. The decision concluded that the injuries sustained in a 2004 motor vehicle accident were not incurred in the line of duty due to the Veteran's willful misconduct.

The Board has remanded the claims for low back disorder, migraine headache disorder, Gulf War Syndrome or undiagnosed illness (chronic fatigue syndrome), and chronic fatigue syndrome due to incomplete medical opinions. The AOJ must obtain a new addendum from a qualified examiner addressing these issues.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient attempts to obtain the Veteran's service treatment records, specifically those from Nellis AFB in 1977. The claim will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected migraines is remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and an examination to assess the current severity of his condition.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected. The left knee, bilateral heel disorder with plantar fasciitis (secondary to the non-service-connected left knee disorder), left wrist disorder, right wrist disorder, lumbosacral strain, hypertension, migraines, and vertigo/syncope are all remanded for further review.

The Board has ordered new examinations for the Veteran's cervical spine, thoracolumbar spine, right thigh, left knee, gum/dental, eye, and migraine conditions due to outstanding military records and potential competency issues.

The Veteran's post-traumatic concussion syndrome with headaches is currently rated at the maximum schedular rating of 50 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's headaches are not related to his active service.,The Veteran does not have a left thumb condition, left hand condition, or right foot condition that is related to his active service.,The Veteran's adjustment disorder (anxiety) is not related to his active service.,The Veteran's vertigo is not related to his active service and is not secondary to his service-connected tinnitus.

The Board has dismissed all claims for service connection as the Veteran withdrew his appeals for these conditions prior to a decision being made.

The Board denied service connection for headaches and an upper-gastrointestinal (GI) disorder, finding that the Veteran did not have a disease or injury in service that caused his current conditions.

The Veteran withdrew his claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates, indicating satisfaction with the current decisions.

The Veteran's initial 10 percent rating for service-connected migraine headaches from July 21, 2016, to July 26, 2019, is granted. The claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for migraines from July 26, 2019, is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for headaches with dizziness, a skin disability (xerosis), and COPD. The COPD is presumed to have been incurred during service due to exposure to burn pits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current back disorder, respiratory disorder, or headache. The claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between his current headache disability and his active service. The Board also remanded the issues regarding hepatitis B and tendonitis of the elbow.,Further development is needed to determine if the Veteran has resolved hepatitis B or if he still has an active case of hepatitis B.

The Board has granted service connection for a headache disability. The remaining issues on appeal are remanded due to the need for additional evidentiary development.