Migraines & headaches decisions — 2023

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral foot, left shoulder, and right shoulder disabilities. The claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, headaches, and hypertension are remanded due to the need for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claims for compensable ratings for allergic rhinitis and hemorrhoids, as well as service connection for left and right knee conditions, have been withdrawn.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD has been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claims for asthma, hypothyroidism, bilateral tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, migraine headaches, back disability, left knee strain, right knee strain, right knee recurrent subluxation, left knee recurrent subluxation, and right lower extremity radiculopathy were denied as the earliest effective date is December 19, 2016.,The Veteran's claims for asthma, hypothyroidism, bilateral tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, migraine headaches, back disability, left knee strain, right knee strain, right knee recurrent subluxation, left knee recurrent subluxation, and right lower extremity radiculopathy were denied as the earliest effective date is December 19, 2016.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is related to his active service, and the claim for service connection is granted. The claim of entitlement to service connection for a headache condition is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to a missed VA examination for headaches. The Veteran's representative indicated disagreement with the rating assigned for PTSD, but did not appeal this issue.

The Veteran's residuals of head injury, headaches, and insomnia are granted as service-connected.,Service connection for a right eye corneal ulcer is granted but the claim is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board granted a 30 percent rating for service-connected IBS and at least a 30 percent rating for service-connected headache disorder throughout the period on appeal.

The Veteran's initial 50 percent rating for migraine headaches is granted, and the issue of TDIU from June 17, 2013 is remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for migraine headaches, left hip sprain, right wrist disability, left-hand index finger disability, and low back disability due to a lack of VA examinations. The Veteran is requested to provide necessary medical evidence or attend VA examinations.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50 percent from May 24, 2013. The effective date for the grant of service connection is set to May 24, 2013.

The Veteran's respiratory condition, manifested by shortness of breath, was caused by service-connected back and foot conditions.,The Veteran's dizziness was caused by service-connected tinnitus and respiratory condition.,OSA began during active-duty service and is aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected musculoskeletal conditions due to obesity.,Migraine headaches were caused by service-connected OSA and respiratory condition.,PFB and acne keloidalis nucae began during active-duty service.,Bilateral shin splints were caused by the service-connected left foot and left ankle conditions.,Anal fistulas developed because of obesity and sedentarism due to the service-connected musculoskeletal conditions.,The Veteran's anal fistula condition was caused by the service-connected back, left foot, and left ankle conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection regarding migraines, lower back disability, and upper back disability require further development due to inadequate or inconsistent medical opinions in the existing records.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for migraine headaches is granted, with an effective date of July 11, 2014.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate VA examinations and incomplete medical records. The Veteran's claims of service connection for headaches and sleep apnea are being reviewed again.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his Gulf War illness, including for left and right lower extremity neuropathy, a right knee disability, a left knee disability, headaches, and chronic fatigue syndrome. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The cases of bilateral hearing loss, chronic headaches, low back pain, lower left and right extremity radiculopathy, and a cervical spine disability are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, migraine headaches, and restless leg syndrome as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected mental disorder. Service connection for tremors is remanded.

The Veteran's pes planus and headaches have been granted increased ratings of 50 percent effective February 13, 2018.,Service connection for left knee disability is remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's headaches and OSA are secondary to his service-connected adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, granting these claims.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's claimed bilateral lung condition, migraine headaches, hypertension, and acquired psychiatric disorder as there was no evidence of these conditions during his military service or a direct relationship to service. The back condition claim is granted.