Migraines & headaches decisions — 2025

The Veteran's effective date for the increase in disability evaluation for service-connected tension headaches to 30 percent was granted as of October 25, 2022.

The Board denied service connection for multiple conditions, including PTSD, IBS, cardiac arrhythmia, CFS, chronic headaches, chronic sinusitis, dyspnea, and fibromyalgia. The claim for bilateral pes planus was remanded.

The Board denied initial compensable ratings for right hip strain (abduction) and migraine headaches, as the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the criteria provided in the regulations.

The Board denied service connection for all the conditions listed as there was no evidence of an in-service event, nor is there evidence demonstrating a nexus to service.

The Board denied a compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss and remanded claims for service connection for headaches, chronic neck pain, mental health disorder, and temporomandibular joint disorder.

The Board remands the claim for an evaluation of migraine headaches in excess of 30 percent to schedule a new examination that considers additional evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board denied service connection for migraines, chronic sinusitis, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to the Veteran's active service or TERA exposures.

The Board remands the claims for a compensable evaluation of service-connected pseudofolliculitis barbae and for service connection for chronic allergic rhinitis, migraines headaches, left foot bunions (hallux valgus), right foot bunions (hallux valgus), and tinnitus to ensure proper development.

The Board restored the 50% rating for headaches and the 30% rating for a cervical spine disability, as the reductions were improper. The claims for service connection for OSA, a higher rating for allergic rhinitis, and a sinus disorder are remanded.

The appeals for service connection for anemia, left and right foot conditions (swelling bilateral feet), prostate issues, tension headaches and head injury with short term memory loss and blurred vision, and vertigo were dismissed as the Veteran withdrew them. The claims for readjudication of tension headaches and head injury with short term memory loss and blurred vision and vertigo will be considered based on new evidence submitted.

The Board granted service connection for left and right hip strain, left and right ankle pain, and bilateral plantar fasciitis as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee disability. The claims for allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, chronic headaches, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and post traumatic residual pain and cramping of the left lower leg were remanded.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for PTSD and initial increased disability ratings for migraine headaches to ensure proper notice is provided to the Veteran regarding his scheduled VA examinations.

The Board dismissed the claims for service connection for acute sinusitis and a compensable rating for allergic rhinitis due to an impermissible concurrent election. The claim for service connection for migraines was remanded for further development.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction, migraine headaches, and gastroesophageal reflux disease to correct an error by the AOJ to satisfy its duty to assist (DTA) the claimant under 38 U.S.C. § 5103A.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 50 percent for service-connected posttraumatic headaches, as the criteria for a higher rating were not met.

The Veteran's service connection for chronic headaches was granted, while claims for bilateral hearing loss, chronic fatigue syndrome, a higher rating for contusion of the left great toe, and an initial compensable rating for allergic rhinitis were denied.

The Board granted a disability rating of 30 percent for the Veteran's service-connected migraines, as they most closely approximate characteristic prostrating attacks occurring on an average once a month over the previous several months.

The Board granted service connection for migraines headaches as secondary to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to the private medical opinion that it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran's migraine headaches are secondarily linked to or related to his service connected PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 30 percent for migraine including migraine variants, as the evidence did not support an increase to that level.

The Board granted service connection for tension headaches, obstructive sleep apnea, and asthma as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected conditions.