Migraines & headaches decisions — 2025

The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, disability manifested by skin rash and lesions on feet and hands, respiratory disability manifested by difficulty breathing, disability manifested by muscle pain and cramping, and joint pain in arms and legs, and chronic headaches, all due to an undiagnosed illness.

The motion to revise on the basis of clear and unmistakable error (CUE) a November 2024 Board decision denying an effective date earlier than October 4, 2021, for the award of service connection for migraine headaches was dismissed without prejudice to refiling.

The Board remands the claim for service connection for migraine headaches for readjudication based on new and relevant evidence that was submitted after the prior decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for a 30 percent rating for headaches/migraines and service connection for shin splints.

The Board granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and migraine headaches, but denied service connection for a prostate disability.

The Veteran withdrew the appeals for service connection for a back disability, left ankle disability, migraine disability, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and right ankle disability.

The Board granted service connection for tinnitus and denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, loss of use of bodily organs, hair loss, hearing loss, and other conditions. Some claims were remanded for further development.

The Board granted service connection for the Veteran's migraine headache condition, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board granted service connection for radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities, but denied increased ratings for COPD, chronic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, lumbosacral strain, migraine with chronic headaches, and residuals of a right ankle fracture. The Veteran was granted TDIU from January 12, 2022.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for headaches and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) to correct a pre-decisional duty to assist error, as there is evidence suggesting the existence of outstanding private treatment records that may be relevant to the Veteran's claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative changes of the cervical spine and migraines (claimed as headaches) as secondary to a degenerative change in the cervical spine.

The Board denied service connection for multiple disabilities, including cervical spine, radiculopathy, foot and ankle conditions, hypertension, migraines, skin issues, bone pain, and kidney problems, as the evidence did not support a finding of an in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The Board remands the claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and a compensable rating for migraine headaches to ensure that all relevant private treatment records are obtained.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection and special monthly compensation based on loss of use of a creative organ.

The Board granted restoration of a 10 percent disability rating for service-connected IBS from December 7, 2021, as the reduction was improper.

The Board granted a 20 percent rating for lumbosacral strain but denied ratings in excess of 10 percent for left lower extremity radiculopathy and service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, tension headaches, testicular torsion, and bilateral hearing loss.

The Board granted service connection for hypertension, major depressive disorder, and somatic symptom disorder but denied service connection for a back disability. The claims for other conditions were remanded.

The Board granted a 70 percent rating for anxiety disorder prior to June 23, 2021, and denied a higher rating from that date. The Board also denied a compensable rating for headaches prior to July 29, 2014, and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities resulted in the need for aid and attendance as he requires care or assistance on a regular basis to feed himself, keep himself clean and presentable and protect himself from the hazards or dangers inherent in his daily environment.

The Board remands the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating, as well as the claim for TDIU, to provide further development of evidence.