Migraines & headaches decisions — 2025

The Board remands the service connection claim for migraine headaches to correct a duty to assist error, specifically to address an alternative theory of entitlement raised by the record.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for migraine headaches, finding that the Veteran's symptoms did not warrant a higher rating.

The Board granted an initial 50 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected migraine including migraine variants from January 24, 2022, but denied a compensable rating prior to that date.

The Board denied service connection for a left shoulder condition, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing condition was not aggravated beyond its natural progression during military service. The case is remanded to obtain an opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's tension headaches.

The Board denied service connection for a back condition, right thumb disorder, pes planus, PTSD, and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD as there was no evidence of a current diagnosis during or approximate to the appeal period. The claims for a headache disorder and plantar warts were remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for TDIU and basic eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance, finding that there was no formal claim or intent to file a claim for these benefits prior to August 1, 2020.

The Board remands the claim for an initial rating greater than 30 percent for migraines to cure a pre-decisional duty to assist error and ensure proper evaluation of the Veteran's symptoms.

The Board denied service connection for a headache disability, lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, right knee disability, and left knee disability as the evidence did not support a finding of a current disability or a link to service.

The Board remands the claims for further development, including obtaining a medical opinion addressing whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is secondary to his service-connected back disability with obesity as an intermediate step and whether his left hip disability may be related to his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied, and multiple claims for service connection were remanded due to missing or unavailable service treatment records.

The Board remands the claims for an increased rating for arthritis of right shoulder and service connection for migraines (headaches) due to deficiencies in the evidence.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for headaches, non-allergic rhinitis, and a sinus condition due to deficiencies in the evidence regarding the relationship between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.

The Board remands the claim for service connection for tension headaches to obtain an adequate medical opinion regarding their nature and etiology, including whether they are related to or aggravated by a service-connected lumbar disc injury.

The Board granted an initial 50 percent rating for migraines based on the Veteran's frequent and prolonged headache pain that significantly impacts his work attendance and concentration.

The Board remands the claim for an initial compensable rating for migraines due to an inadequate VA examination and the need for additional development of evidence.

The veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection for migraine headaches, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and sinusitis.

The Board remands the Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches to cure a pre-decisional duty to assist error, specifically requiring an etiological opinion on whether the Veteran's headaches were caused or aggravated by his service-connected tinnitus.

The Board remands the claim for service connection for tension headaches to obtain an adequate medical opinion regarding their nature and etiology, including whether they are related to or aggravated by a service-connected lumbar disc injury.

The Board granted a disability rating of 100 percent for the Veteran's psychiatric disorder, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran. The service connection claims for migraine headaches and TBI were remanded.

The Board denied service connection for a chronic sinus disability and an initial rating in excess of 0 percent for migraines, and remanded the claim for service connection for sleep apnea.