Migraines & headaches decisions — 2024

The Veteran's service-connected right hip strain is rated as noncompensable, and his service-connected right hip disability (including limitation of flexion, extension, and adduction) is also denied.,For the entire appeal period, the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability and left knee disability are both denied for ratings in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for an increased initial rating of 50 percent for migraine headaches is granted, effective December 28, 2016. The appeal for a prior effective date is denied.

The Board has denied service connection for tinnitus and headaches, finding no evidence of in-service onset or relationship to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from being able to prepare for, obtain, or maintain suitable employment consistent with his abilities, aptitudes, and interests. The Board denied the Veteran's request for VR&E benefits as he did not meet the criteria for an employment handicap.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and migraine headaches rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, leading to a TDIU award effective from June 22, 2011.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal issues, upper respiratory issues, and headache issues are granted as due to an undiagnosed Gulf War illness.,A TERA-specific examination is required for the Veteran's chronic insomnia claim.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for vertigo, migraines, obstructive sleep apnea, and erectile dysfunction have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for headaches is granted, but the claims for a higher rating for major depressive disorder and TDIU are being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for GERD was denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's claim for service connection of migraines including migraine variants secondary to tinnitus was also denied due to lack of evidence linking the condition to service-connected tinnitus.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating in excess of 50 percent for migraines has been dismissed because the Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's migraine headaches are related to her service-connected psychiatric disability, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has denied service connection for insomnia, migraine headaches, a right eyelid scar, OSA, a right shoulder disability, a left shoulder disability, a low back disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy or neuropathy, and left foot plantar fasciitis as there is no evidence of current disabilities or in-service incurrences or aggravations.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of migraine headaches was denied as all previous decisions were final, and the earliest assignable effective date is May 21, 2021.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for migraine headaches and a cervical spine disability due to inadequate medical opinions in previous examinations. The Veteran's lay statements regarding an incident during service are now considered.

The Veteran's claims for MDD, migraines, residuals of a head injury, and scar were granted with effective dates starting from October 11, 2011. The Board denied earlier effective dates as there was no indication of an intent to file such claims prior to the filing date.,For migraines, residuals of a head injury, and scar, the Veteran's claims were filed on October 11, 2011, which is when service connection was granted. The Board found that earlier effective dates could not be assigned as there was no indication of an intent to file such claims prior to this date.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial disability rating of 50 percent for migraines is granted, effective March 22, 2019.

An effective date of October 9, 2013, is granted for the 50 percent evaluation for a headache disability.,An effective date of May 20, 2015, is granted for a TDIU due solely to a headache disability.,A compensable evaluation for a left cheek scar is denied.,Service connection for a psychiatric condition is granted.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal for service connection of migraine headaches, and the Board has dismissed the case.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including a back disability, left ankle disabilities, right ankle disabilities, chronic headaches, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and IBS are all granted. A 70 percent rating is assigned for PTSD.

The Board has granted an effective date of January 8, 2021 for a 50 percent rating for tension headaches. The Veteran's claim was continuously pursued with multiple requests and the severity of his condition had increased to warrant this higher rating.