Migraines & headaches decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar spine strain and migraine headaches have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for either condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as he does not have a qualifying hearing loss disability meeting VA's regulatory definition.,Service connection for TBI, whiplash, cervical spine disorder, lumbar spine disorder, sleep apnea, chronic fatigue, migraine headaches, and an acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded due to the need for further examination and clarification of medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims for special monthly compensation for housebound status and aid and attendance were denied as he did not meet the criteria for these benefits based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence received after the issuance of the October 2019 SOC and a need for additional development, including obtaining a new medical opinion on the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed TBI and residuals of TBI.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include traumatic brain injury, upper and lower extremity conditions, seizure disorder, sleep disorders, TMJ disorder, headaches, and a back condition.

The Veteran's claims for sciatica of the left and right lower extremities, as well as his cervical spine disability, headache disability, shoulder disabilities, joint pain, and sleep apnea are all remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.,The Board cannot make a fully informed decision on these claims without additional medical opinions addressing the etiology of the Veteran's conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render her incapable of obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment, as the evidence does not show that any single disability renders her unemployable.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's disabilities. The claims for service connection are not granted as there is no persuasive evidence that any current residuals of spleen removal, hip, knee, or lumbar spine disabilities were incurred during active service.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at a maximum of 50 percent, effective from September 23, 2021.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient STRs and a need for a toxic exposure risk activity (TERA) examination.

The Veteran's petition to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for migraine headaches is granted. The Board has also remanded several issues including increased ratings for lower extremity radiculopathy and sleep apnea, as well as claims for service connection for a left ankle condition and irritable bowel syndrome.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records.,No effective date is provided as the appeal involves ongoing disability evaluations.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for migraine headaches, to include on an extraschedular basis, was denied by the Board. The decision found that the available schedular evaluations adequately considered the Veteran's disability picture and functional impairments.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to a service-connected disability, increased ratings for major depressive disorder/dysthymia and TBI, post traumatic headaches, and degenerative disc disease lumbar spine. The VA examinations were canceled due to the Veteran being incarcerated.

The Board has dismissed all appeals related to service connection for various conditions as the Veteran requested withdrawal of these appeals prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for headaches/migraine headaches was dismissed as the August 12, 2005 grant of service connection has long been final. The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and entitlement to TDIU were remanded.

The Veteran's headaches are granted secondary to service-connected tinnitus. Service connection for hypertension and gastric ulcer is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected migraines are granted a 50% rating, effective February 8, 2016. The appeals for increased initial ratings for left shoulder and low back conditions are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include migraine disorder, lung disorder (COPD), colon disorder (IBS), kidney disorder (renal mass), and vertigo.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a lack of current diagnoses and insufficient evidence linking his claimed conditions to his active-duty service.,Additional development is required to determine if the Veteran currently suffers from any of these conditions, as well as whether they are related to his military service.