Migraines & headaches decisions — 2023

The Board has found that the remand directives were not substantially complied with and thus, both claims for migraine and dizziness are being remanded. The issues are intertwined and must be addressed together.

The Veteran's recurrent headache disability (including migraine) is remanded for further evaluation and consideration.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for migraines was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability, which is required for a 50 percent rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and the Board has ordered remand for further development. The issues of service connection for headaches, chronic fatigue syndrome, and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome are now before the AOJ.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including sleep disturbance, neurologic signs, skin condition, headaches, muscle pain, fatigue, joint pain, and respiratory symptoms/signs are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability is being remanded due to new and material evidence. The effective date for the increased rating of 30 percent for headaches remains denied as there was no factually ascertainable increase in severity prior to May 24, 2018.,The Veteran's tension headaches are rated at 30 percent but not higher due to lack of very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks. The left shoulder strain with degenerative arthritis is also rated at 20 percent as there is no limitation of motion that meets the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, a back disability, and a headache disability (including migraines). The Board found no credible evidence of in-service incurrence or relationship to service.,There is no persuasive medical evidence linking any current disabilities to service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability, extrinsic asthma, and migraine headaches due to new evidence submitted since the last final denial. The claims are now remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable evaluation for migraine headaches and service connection for rheumatoid arthritis due to additional development being necessary.

The Board has determined that the reductions in ratings for TBI and complex partial seizures were improper, and the original ratings are restored. The Veteran's entitlement to a rating in excess of 30 percent for migraine headaches is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for ulcers, migraines, mouth sores, body sores, fibromyalgia, chest pain, fatigue, joint pain and swelling, sinusitis (claimed as nose bleeds), shortness of breath, hemoptysis (coughing blood), hypertension, and memory loss. These issues are intertwined with the referred claim for service connection for Wegener's disease.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient reasons and bases in the November 2022 decision, requiring further examinations for service connection of depression and recurrent headaches.

The Board has remanded several issues for readjudication due to the submission of additional evidence since the last decision. The Veteran is requested to waive AOJ consideration of this new evidence.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The hypertension and tinnitus cases did not meet the criteria for higher ratings, while the migraine headaches claim was granted a 30 percent rating effective from June 7, 2021. The lumbar spine disability received a compensable rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for back condition, bilateral hearing loss, and headaches due to insufficient evidence regarding whether his conditions are related to service or pre-existing conditions. The claims will be returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for residuals of heatstroke and a headache condition due to insufficient opinions provided by VA examiners. The examiner is required to provide an opinion on whether these conditions are related to service, including considering relevant STRs and private treatment records.

The Veteran's tension headaches are granted as incurred during service. The claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus is denied, and the claim for an earlier effective date for left ear hearing loss is also denied. TDIU is granted with conditions met. Effective dates for other claims are not granted.

The Veteran's service connection claims for a lumbar spine disability, left knee disability, and headache disability have been granted. The claim for hypertension has been denied.,Service connection for the Veteran's headache disability is granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD and TBI.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, headaches, hypertension, and neuropathy of all extremities is granted. The claim for increased rating for tinnitus in excess of 10 percent is denied.

The Board has denied service connection for a cervical spine disorder and obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the Veteran's conditions are not related to his military service. The appeal regarding headaches is remanded due to inadequate VA medical opinions.,Service connection was denied for all three claimed conditions: cervical spine disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, and headaches (migraines).