Migraines & headaches Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depressive disorder), sleep apnea, and headaches have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations regarding his claimed left ankle disorder, right hand disorder, right leg disorder, groin disorder, and traumatic brain injury. The Veteran has not been provided with a VA examination or opinion related to these issues.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at a maximum of 50 percent for the period prior to June 13, 2018. For the period from June 13, 2018 onwards, an evaluation in excess of 50 percent is denied.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD prior to August 7, 2019 was granted with a 50 percent disability rating. The appeal for a higher rating from August 7, 2019 and the TDIU claim were both denied.

The Board denied service connection for a left knee disability, right ankle disability, and headache disability. The claims of service connection for chronic cough and acid reflux are remanded.,Service connection is not granted for the Veteran's claimed conditions as they do not meet the criteria for direct service connection.

The Veteran's initial rating for headaches was granted at 10 percent, and the Board has now remanded the case to consider if a higher rating is warranted based on additional evidence.

The Veteran's left breast scar is not considered disabling and does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.,The Veteran’s right ovarian cyst does not require continuous treatment and does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.,The Veteran’s migraines do not have characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one in two months, thus not meeting the criteria for a compensable evaluation.,The Veteran's acne on her face, chest, and back is superficial and does not cover an area of 144 square inches or greater, thus not meeting the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's residuals of TBI are rated at 40 percent, effective December 9, 2009. The Board denied a rating in excess of 40 percent for his TBI and granted an initial 70 percent rating for mild neurocognitive disorder from December 9, 2009.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for left hip lesion, headache disability (claimed as migraines), and buttocks disability due to insufficient evidence. The rating for left hip bursitis remains denied.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than post-traumatic stress disorder, including depression and anxiety; sleep apnea; and headaches. The diagnoses are based on the Veteran's reported symptoms and medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to issues being inextricably intertwined and insufficient evidence. The case must be returned for further examination and opinion.

The Board has determined that the prior remand directives have not been substantially complied with, thus the claims must again be remanded for compliance. The Veteran's representative requested an extension of 90 days to submit additional evidence and argument regarding his claims. However, no further argument has been submitted at this time.

The Veteran's tension headaches are rated at 30 percent, but the Board denied an increased rating as his headaches do not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to lack of severe economic inadaptability.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected degenerative disc disease. Other claims are remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection due to conflicting medical opinions and lack of clear evidence regarding his claimed conditions.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder, a sleep disorder, GERD, colon disorders, headache disorder, diabetes mellitus type II (DM), eye disorders, low back and neck disorders, erectile dysfunction, right and left carpal tunnel syndromes. The decision also denied reopening of the claim for hypertension.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and PTSD has been denied. The claims for effective dates earlier than March 25, 2015, for the grant of service connection for these conditions have also been denied. The claim for COPD has been reopened due to new evidence submitted. Service connection for tension headaches is granted. Service connection for a back disability and high cholesterol are denied. Service connection for left shoulder and right shoulder disabilities as well as disabilities manifested by left and right hand numbness are not established. The Veteran's TDIU claim related to PTSD is remanded.

The Veteran's migraines are rated at the highest available level of 50%.,Heartburn prior to October 31, 2018 is rated at 10%. Constipation with heartburn from October 31, 2018 to present has not met the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disability is found to be etiologically related to his obstructive sleep apnea, granting service connection for this condition. The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae and headache disabilities are also found to be etiologically related to active duty service, leading to the grant of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and evaluation of his service-connected PTSD with TBI, including addressing symptoms such as dizziness and lightheadedness.