Migraines & headaches Board decisions

The Veteran's appeals for higher initial ratings for PTSD, TBI residuals with adjustment disorder, and posttraumatic headaches have been withdrawn due to the grant of special monthly compensation (SMC) at the (t) rate for the service-connected residuals of TBI from May 12, 2015.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding service connection for a chronic headache disability, including as related to exposure to environmental hazards in Southwest Asia.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that new and material evidence was submitted to reopen the claim for left cardiovascular area muscle strain, but not for low back disability or other conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral sensorineural hearing loss has been granted service connection, with a maximum schedular rating of 50 percent.,An increased rating for migraine headaches is granted, but the issue remains remanded due to inconsistencies in the VA examination findings.

The Veteran's chronic tension headaches are rated at a 30 percent since the effective date of service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been reopened, with the former being granted. The claim for sleep apnea remains closed as no new and material evidence has been received.,Service connection is denied for a bilateral foot condition (heel spurs and plantar fasciitis), as there is insufficient evidence to establish that the condition had its onset in service or is causally related to any incident of service.

The Board has granted service connection for a traumatic brain injury and a headache condition, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service injuries. The claim for COPD was withdrawn by the Veteran during the hearing.

The Veteran's headaches are rated at 50 percent, but no higher. The Board finds the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches meet the criteria for a 50 percent disability rating. Service connection for a neck disability and obstructive sleep apnea is remanded due to lack of examination.

The Board has granted service connection for a headache disorder and remanded the issue of service connection for sinusitis. The Veteran's headaches are found to be related to his in-service head injury, while the nature and etiology of any diagnosed sinus disorders remain unclear.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disorder and migraine headaches, finding that the Veteran's conditions are at least as likely as not related to his military service. The rating assigned is 100%.

The Veteran is granted entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings and TDIU prior to July 7, 2014 due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and Cephalgia (Headaches) have been granted. The Board found that the Veteran engaged in combat service, which established his PTSD claim. For his headaches, the Board accepted the Veteran's lay testimony of a head injury during service as sufficient evidence to establish service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for migraines with variants was denied, and the Board has remanded the case to obtain additional medical opinions regarding service connection for hypertension. The appeal is currently pending.

The Board has denied an extraschedular rating in excess of 50 percent for a migraine headache disability and has remanded the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability prior to August 11, 2010.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has dismissed all appeals due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his claims.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for right shoulder acromioclavicular joint sprain has been dismissed.,Service connection for tinnitus is denied as the condition did not manifest to a compensable degree within one year of separation from active duty and there is no evidence of noise exposure during service.,The Veteran's headache disorder, including as secondary to PTSD, is remanded for further evaluation.,The Veteran's right knee, left knee, right hip, and left hip disorders are remanded for further evaluation.,The Veteran's left shoulder disorder is also remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD with TBI, shoulder impingement syndrome, and osteoarthritis of the left ankle, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted his claim for total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and has remanded the remaining issues due to a lack of medical evidence addressing the severity of the Veteran's cervical spine and lumbar spine disabilities, as well as his headaches, sinus condition, and allergic rhinitis.