Migraines & headaches decisions — 2024

The Veteran's migraines are granted an increased rating to 50 percent, but his rhinitis and sinusitis remain at non-compensable ratings.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve in both lower extremities have been denied as there was no claim filed prior to April 26, 2021.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches, finding that his current headache disability is not proximately due to or the result of his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has decided to remand three issues: gastrointestinal disability, headache disability, and stiffness. The Veteran's service in the Gulf War is cited as a potential exposure basis for these disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches are rated at 30 percent, but the Board found that they do not meet the criteria for a higher rating as there is no evidence of very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disorder, sciatic nerve disorder as secondary to the service-connected low back disability, and headache disorder.,The Veteran's current low back and sciatic nerve disorders are found to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's migraines are currently rated at 30 percent, but the Board has found that they warrant a higher rating. The ratings for lumbar strain and GERD remain unchanged. The case is being remanded to schedule VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches is being remanded due to a duty to assist error. The Board will seek an adequate VA medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran has a current headache disability related to his service and correct any pre-decisional errors.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for low back strain and migraines due to insufficient competent medical evidence. The Veteran's lay statements indicate a relationship between his current back and migraine complaints and his military service, but further examination is needed.

The Veteran's initial compensable disability rating for migraine headaches was denied.,The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for erectile dysfunction, including low testosterone.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a scar of the chin and lower lip, degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, watery eyes, sleep disability, right collar bone pain, skin disability of the toenails (tinea unguium), skin disability claimed as a back rash due to an allergic reaction, chronic dizziness, erectile dysfunction, and chronic headache disability have been granted. The claims for service connection for these conditions are now considered resolved.

The Board remands the Veteran's claims for service connection for a neurological disability and entitlement to TDIU due to her service-connected disabilities, as substantial compliance with previous remand directives has not been achieved.

The Board remands the issues of service connection for sleep apnea, a headache disability (migraines), an increased evaluation for asthma with COPD, and entitlement to TDIU due to the need for new medical nexus opinions.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection and assigned a 30 percent initial disability rating.,The Veteran's headaches are granted an initial disability rating of 50 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available.

The Veteran's migraine headaches disorder is rated at a 50 percent effective November 22, 2019. Prior to this date, the rating was 30 percent.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at a 50 percent, but no higher. The Board also remanded the issue of entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including persistent depressive disorder with other specified trauma and stressor related disorder, chronic headaches, right shoulder impingement syndrome with rotator cuff tendonitis, degenerative arthritis of the spine, left knee strain with bursitis, chronic right knee strain, left ankle lateral collateral ligament strain, chronic right ankle sprain, allergic conjunctivitis, and tinnitus, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment as a result of his service-connected disabilities. As such, TDIU is granted from August 26, 2020.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for chronic migraine headaches, including as secondary to PTSD. The Veteran's claims are based on his in-service and post-service symptoms, and VA is required to obtain an addendum opinion from an appropriate examiner to determine the etiology of the Veteran's chronic migraine headaches.

The Veteran's tension headaches are granted at a 30 percent rating, effective May 27, 2021. The Board found the evidence to be in balance as to whether the Veteran experienced characteristic prostrating attacks approximately twice per month.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with depressive disorder does not meet the criteria for SMC based on aid and attendance due to his ability to dress, feed himself, and perform daily activities. He is also not considered housebound due to his service-connected disabilities.