Migraines & headaches decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected migraine headaches was denied as the evidence did not show very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, bilateral wrist nerve condition, bilateral hearing loss, neck condition, back condition, right shoulder clavicle disability, and left elbow condition have all been denied. The Board found no current disabilities of the claimed conditions.,There is insufficient evidence to establish a nexus between any current disabilities and military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, left hand disorder (including thumb), right arm disorder, back disorder, sinus disorder, and Hepatitis C have all been denied. The Board found no evidence of a current disability or in-service event that would support these claims.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding various conditions, including major depressive disorder, right lower extremity radiculopathy, cervicogenic headaches, left hip degenerative arthritis, right hip degenerative arthritis, left shoulder DJD, right shoulder osteoarthritis, and hypertension.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him so helpless as to need regular aid and attendance for the period of time on appeal.

The Board has decided to remand the claim of service connection for migraines, as it is related to tinnitus and cervical strain. The Veteran's prior VA examination did not consider his current medical evidence and thus a new examination is needed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression is granted as it is at least as likely as not related to her service-connected disabilities. Service connection is also granted for lumbosacral strain with a rating of 40 percent effective May 29, 2020.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for her service-connected migraine headaches is denied. The issue of entitlement to TDIU due to service-connected disability has been raised but not developed by the AOJ.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of his current right shoulder, right hip, and bilateral knee disorders.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 30 percent disabling, effective February 26, 2019. The earlier effective date is granted based on the medical evidence showing that the frequency of attacks warranted a higher rating starting from this date.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches and an increased rating for sinusitis have been denied. The Board found that the Veteran's headaches are a symptom of his service-connected sinusitis, and thus not separately compensable. For the sinusitis claim, the evidence did not show more than six non-incapacitating episodes per year characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting, which is required for an increased rating.

The Veteran's left ankle condition, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), erectile dysfunction, and headaches are all found to be related to service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of service connection for migraine headaches is denied as the earliest date of receipt was November 18, 2014.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated as 100% disabling since November 20, 2019. He also has additional disabilities that combine to at least 60%, qualifying him for special monthly compensation (SMC) at the subsection (s) rate.

The Veteran's headaches are related to his service-connected tinnitus and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal for earlier effective dates and increased ratings has been dismissed due to their death.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of migraines has been dismissed due to their death during the appeal process.

The Veteran's tension headaches were rated at 50 percent effective October 19, 2019.,VA also granted Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits for the same period.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's sleep apnea disorder as secondary to his service-connected insomnia disorder, MDD with anxiety, migraine headaches, and tinnitus. The decision also acknowledges that the Veteran's opioid medication taken for bilateral shoulder disorders may have contributed to his sleep apnea.

Service connection is granted for pantothenate kinase associated neurodegeneration (PKAN). Service connection for hypertension, a neck disability, and headaches are remanded.