Migraines & headaches decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claim for service connection of headache syndrome was granted with an effective date of August 19, 2019. The Board found that the claim should have been received on August 24, 2021, and thus resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Board dismissed the appeals of service connection for anxiety and depression, as well as migraine headaches, due to failure to comply with appropriate claims processing rules regarding an appeal to the Board.

The Veteran's increased rating claims for tension headaches and visual field defect associated with facial nerve palsy have been remanded due to insufficient evidence or need for further evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected erectile dysfunction (ED) is found to be the cause of his migraine headaches, and thus he has been granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at a maximum of 50 percent, effective July 27, 2022. The issue of entitlement to TDIU has been raised by the record and is being remanded for further action.

The Veteran's appeal for earlier effective dates for TDIU and DEA benefits was granted in full, resulting in the dismissal of these issues.,The Veteran's headaches with dizziness were rated at 30 percent prior to February 23, 2022. The Board found that while he experienced characteristic prostrating attacks once a month, they did not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to lack of severe economic inadaptability.,Prior to February 23, 2022, the Veteran's lumbar strain was rated at 10 percent. The Board found that while he experienced characteristic prostrating attacks once a month, they did not meet the criteria for an increased rating due to lack of severe economic inadaptability.,After February 23, 2022, the Veteran's lumbar strain was rated at 20 percent and this rating is denied as there is no evidence of incapacitating episodes or other factors warranting a higher rating.

The Board granted service connection for sinusitis and denied the claims for service connection for left knee disorder, right knee disorder, bilateral hearing loss, initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for allergic rhinitis, low back disorder, left lower extremity numbness, right lower extremity numbness, left upper extremity numbness, right upper extremity numbness, and tension headaches.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and a separate compensable disability rating for headaches secondary to hypertension are remanded due to incomplete VA treatment records and the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been granted. The Veteran is entitled to a rating of 10 percent, but no higher, for his service-connected right index finger and right long finger since July 19, 2021. However, the claim for service connection for migraines remains pending as it requires additional medical opinion regarding causation and aggravation.

The Veteran's post-traumatic headaches were granted a rating of 50 percent from August 29, 2018, to September 21, 2021, due to very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating and a higher rating for migraine headaches, as the evidence did not support the criteria for such ratings.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's headaches, finding that they began during his active duty service and are not related to any service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and severity of the Veteran's headache disability, including whether it is more consistent with migraine headaches or TBI residuals. The Veteran will need a new VA examination without medication use.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, kidney disability, headache disability, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), and obstructive sleep apnea due to in-service exposure to toxic chemicals. The AOJ is directed to verify the Veteran's in-service exposure to toxic chemicals at Jacksonville and Davisville.

Service connection for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is granted.,Service connection for a Headache Condition is denied. The Veteran's report of headaches during service does not support current diagnosis.,Service connection for Bilateral Hearing Loss remains pending and remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding exposure to burn pits.,Service connection for Prostate Condition remains pending and remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding toxic exposures at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and migraine headaches have resulted in a disability rating of 70 percent from April 29, 2013 through February 14, 2022.

The Board has remanded the claim due to inadequate VA examinations and medical opinions, requiring a new examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for eczema and chronic migraines due to a need for an examination to assess the relationship between these conditions and military service, specifically exposure to burn pits. The Veteran's participation in a toxic exposure risk activity (TERA) is noted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for low back disability, right shoulder pain, left shoulder pain, and headaches due to a duty to assist error in obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the claim of service connection for migraine headaches due to inadequate VA examination opinions and a duty-to-assist error.