Migraines & headaches decisions — 2023

The Board denied service connection for headaches as they were not incurred in or related to service, and are not caused by any service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a migraine headache condition, finding that there was no evidence linking her current headaches to her military service.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeal for service connection for hypothyroidism due to her withdrawal of the appeal. The remaining issues are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and secondary service connection for migraine headache due to conflicting medical opinions and a need for further examination.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated noncompensable due to less frequent attacks, not meeting the criteria for a compensable rating.,The Veteran's umbilical hernia is rated noncompensable as it does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. The examiner noted that there was no indication for support (a supporting belt).,The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea due to insufficient evidence in the October 2018 VA examination report.

The Board has granted service connection for headaches on a secondary basis due to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and tinnitus.

The claim to reopen the issue of entitlement to service connection for back disability and left hip disability is dismissed.,The claims of entitlement to service connection for hypertension, headaches, PTSD, left knee disability, and right knee disability are dismissed.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claims of service connection for breathing, respiratory illness, headaches, nausea, and CFS. The claims are now remanded to determine if these conditions are related to exposure to environmental contaminants associated with Southwest Asia service.

The Board has remanded the case due to an error in not considering a medical opinion from Dr. M. F., who opined that the Veteran's service-connected conditions contributed to his death.

The Board has remanded the claims for effective dates prior to June 19, 2018 for service connection of a Traumatic Brain Injury and Acute Intermittent Tension Headaches due to unclear consideration of relevant Service Treatment Records (STRs) in the November 2018 rating decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for migraine headaches, hemorrhoids, cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, right knee disability, and left knee disability are granted. The appeals for service connection for these conditions are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.

The Veteran's TBI with insomnia disorder is rated at 40 percent effective September 1, 2016.,The Veteran's vertigo related to the service-connected TBI is rated at 10 percent effective September 1, 2016.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his broken nose, headaches and sinusitis, right foot conditions, and lumbosacral strain, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU on both an extraschedular basis prior to March 13, 2023, and on a schedular basis since that date.

The Veteran's TBI, post-concussion headaches, right knee limitation of extension, and left knee limitation of extension were granted service connection effective June 29, 2016.,A 10 percent disability rating for right knee joint osteoarthritis was also granted effective June 29, 2016.

The Veteran's posttraumatic headaches are currently rated as non-compensable, and the TBI residuals are rated together with PTSD. The Board finds no basis for a separate compensable rating for TBI.,For the TBI component of his disability picture, the Veteran does not have subjective symptoms that moderately interfere with work, instrumental activities of daily living, or family relationships.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to specific dates and increased ratings for tension headaches have been denied. The Board found that the medical evidence did not support earlier effective dates or higher ratings based on the criteria provided in Diagnostic Code 8100.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection and increased rating for his back condition, left hip condition, right hip condition, and migraine headaches due to scheduling issues with VA examinations. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for an initial determination regarding entitlement to a TDIU under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(b) prior to March 10, 2011.

Service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine and spinal stenosis is granted. The Veteran's left knee disorder, which resulted in a 60 percent rating from April 1, 2011, has been found to be causally related to his service-connected back disorder.

The Veteran's claim for increased rating of tension headaches prior to December 9, 2022 is remanded. The claims for service connection of varicose veins are also remanded due to inadequate opinions.