Migraines & headaches Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, stroke, and heart disability are remanded due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran is also entitled to a maximum schedular rating of 50 percent for migraine headaches.

The Board has granted a TDIU effective October 23, 2008. However, the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date is remanded to determine if he was unemployable due to service-connected disabilities prior to that date.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for migraine headaches has been dismissed. The claim of service connection for bilateral foot disability (claimed as frost bite) is granted and remanded, while the claim for sleep apnea is also remanded.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection of obstructive sleep apnea, headaches, respiratory condition, residuals of a head injury, acquired psychiatric disorder (including anxiety and depressive disorders), and right eye disability. The claims are denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board dismissed all the issues related to service connection and rating for various conditions, including posttraumatic stress disorder, low back condition, upper respiratory infection, bilateral upper extremity paresthesia, bilateral lower extremity paresthesia, fungal infection of the second digit of the right foot, toe-nail infection, left-sided chest pain, pharyngitis, headaches, and other conditions. The decision also dismissed all issues related to nonservice-connected pension and total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for adjustment disorder with anxiety and depressed mood was denied, while a 30 percent disability rating for migraine headaches was granted.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for Traumatic Brain Injury and Headaches, finding that there is at least equipoise evidence to support these conditions being related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities was denied as the evidence did not show he is unemployable as a result of his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's hypertension and headaches have not been linked to his service, and thus the claims for these conditions are denied.,For the bilateral pes planus, left great toe disability, right great toe hallux rigidus and degenerative changes, status post bunionectomy, increased rating claims, additional development is needed.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current neurological condition, including a seizure disorder and/or headache disorder, is related to his military service. The VA needs to obtain additional medical opinions from an examiner.

The Veteran's entitlement to a 60 percent rating for coronary artery disease (CAD) is granted as of March 12, 2019. The claims for service connection for dizzy spells, GERD, headaches, and hiatal hernia are denied.

For the entire period on appeal, an initial evaluation of 50 percent for a headache disorder is granted.,Prior to May 14, 2016, an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for a left shoulder disability is denied. From May 14, 2016, an evaluation of 20 percent, but no higher, for the same condition is granted.,For the entire period on appeal, an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for a thoracolumbar spine disability is denied. Prior to July 24, 2019, an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity associated with the Veteran’s service-connected thoracolumbar spine disability is granted.,For the period on appeal prior to July 24, 2019, an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for a left knee disability is denied. From July 24, 2019, an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for the same condition is remanded.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected migraine headaches and right upper extremity radiculopathy disabilities. The rating for migraine headaches remains at the maximum 50 percent, but a higher rating is denied. Tinnitus is rated at the maximum 10 percent, with no higher rating available. The cervical spine disability is rated at 20 percent, with no higher rating available. An earlier effective date for service connection of migraine headaches and tinnitus is denied. Service connection for traumatic brain injury, bilateral hearing loss, and TDIU are remanded.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for issues related to effective dates and service connection.,The Board has also remanded several claims, including those for increased ratings and TDIU based on migraine headaches.

The Veteran's service records do not show any evidence of gallbladder removal, TBI, pulmonary embolism, chronic headache disorder, or atrial fibrillation during his active service. The claims are denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for service connection.,There is no evidence showing a TBI during service or within one year post-service. The Veteran's claim for TBI due to service is denied.,Pulmonary embolism was first diagnosed in 1995, over three decades after separation from active service. Service connection is denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for service connection.,Headache disorder and atrial fibrillation were not shown during or within one year post-service. The claims are denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for polymyositis and inflammatory myopathy, lumbar spine disability, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, sinus headaches, DM II, right knee disability, left knee disability, and MDD. The VA examiner found no evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.

The Board has denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for hemorrhoids and remanded the issues regarding migraine headaches and temporary total disability rating for service-connected hemorrhoids.

The Board dismissed the appeals of entitlement to initial ratings for anxiety disorder, headaches, and traumatic brain injury (TBI) as the appellant withdrew her claims. The effective dates for service connection were set at February 27, 2009.

The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy, neck pain and headaches, and encephalomalacia as these conditions are not shown to be causally related to the Veteran's in-service meningitis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder, fibromyalgia, and migraine headaches, prevent her from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU).