Migraines & headaches decisions — 2025

The Board remands the claim for a compensable rating of the Veteran's service-connected migraine headache disorder to correct a pre-decisional duty to assist error.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for migraines, as the evidence did not show characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one in 2 months over the last several months.

The Board granted service connection for PTSD and an initial 20 percent rating for dry eye syndrome with pinguecula, while denying service connection for other psychiatric disorders, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and multiple musculoskeletal conditions. Some claims were remanded for further development.

The Board remands the claims for service connection due to a procedural error in failing to provide the Veteran with notice of her right to a pre-decisional hearing.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for traumatic brain injury (TBI) and migraine, as there was no evidence of characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one in two months over the last several months.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation of 50 percent for service-connected migraine headaches, finding that the evidence did not support a rating higher than 30 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD, migraines, right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, and tinnitus.

The Board granted service connection for headaches as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected tinnitus, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's request for higher-level review of the November 2014 rating decision was denied as untimely.

The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and insomnia, but denied service connection for right knee disability, left knee disability, right ankle disability, intestinal condition (chronic colitis), and chronic migraine disability.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for a spine disability, vitamin deficiency, and a compensable rating for migraine headaches due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors.

The Board granted service connection for headaches as secondary to major depressive disorder with anxious distress, a 100% disability rating for the major depressive disorder, and entitlement to TDIU and SMC at the housebound rate.

The Board remands the claims for service connection, to include on a secondary basis, for PTSD, depression, headache disability, and bilateral foot disabilities due to further development of the Veteran's reported in-service stressor events and obtaining additional medical opinions.

The Veteran withdrew the appeals for service connection and increased ratings, resulting in their dismissal.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the claims for chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, gastrointestinal disability, headaches, skin disability, and tremors of the hands due to potential Gulf War-related exposures.

The Board granted service connection for migraine headaches with aura, finding that the Veteran's migraines had their onset during his active duty service.

The Board granted service connection for headaches and right hand strain, increased the ratings for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, dyshidrotic eczema, and hypertension, and denied service connection for Parkinsonism, pes planus/flat feet, GERD, tinea versicolor, allergic rhinitis, and tinnitus. The Board also granted a TDIU.

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection for OSA and denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome. The remaining issues were remanded for further development.

The Board granted an effective date of July 23, 2018, for a 30 percent rating for the Veteran's cervical strain, IBS, and headaches.