Migraines & headaches Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted his claim for total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for tension headaches and knee conditions due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran will need to provide more information about his treatment, and a new examination is required to assess the severity of his headache disability and the nature and etiology of any knee disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal involves two main issues: the propriety of reducing his migraine headaches disability rating from 50 percent to 10 percent effective May 2, 2017, and entitlement to an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for migraine headaches. The Board finds that both issues must be remanded due to the lack of a Statement of the Case addressing the propriety of the reduction.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's service-connected tension headaches. The effective date claim is denied as there is no evidence indicating a claim prior to November 4, 2016.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to outstanding VA treatment records and need for additional examinations. The issues include bilateral foot disability, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, acquired psychiatric disabilities (including PTSD, depression, and anxiety), and a disability manifested as head pain.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically a depressive disorder, is granted as secondary to his service-connected Grave’s disease and headache disorder. The Veteran also meets the criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The claim for tinnitus was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence, while the claims for a sleep disorder, psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD and unspecified anxiety disorder), and tension headaches were all denied based on insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected post-concussion syndrome other than headaches, chronic heartburn, and restrictive lung disease (post-traumatic stress disorder) have been granted. The Veteran's service connection for post-concussion migraine headaches has also been granted. However, the Veteran's service connection claim for sinus disability remains pending.

The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative arthritis is granted service connection. The appeals for other conditions are dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea, hypertension as aggravated by sleep apnea, and migraine headaches secondary to sleep apnea. The issues of service connection for coronary artery disease and prostate disorder are stayed due to the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019.

The Board has dismissed the appeal of service connection for sleep problems due to a withdrawal by the Veteran. The remaining issues of service connection for hepatitis B, chronic fatigue, heartburn and indigestion, and headaches are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions render him unable to obtain and sustain substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal to reopen claims of service connection for tinnitus and hepatitis C is granted. On de novo review, service connection for hepatitis C is also granted.,Service connection for hypertension is remanded due to inadequate examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment for which his education and occupational experience would otherwise qualify.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, fatigue, bowel incontinence, bladder incontinence, headaches, acquired psychiatric disability (including depression and anxiety), and sleep disorder are related to her treatment at VA facilities. The claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service connection claims for stroke residuals, chronic motor and sensory problems, and headaches have been denied as the evidence does not support a relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is at least as likely as not related to acoustic trauma from his honorable period of service.,VA has a heightened duty to assist the Veteran in developing his claims since government records may have been lost. Relevant medical and personnel records should be obtained.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a headache disability is denied as there is no current diagnosis of chronic headaches and the Veteran does not have functional impairment that would qualify as a disability.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right ankle disability is denied because his current degenerative joint disease was not caused by or related to his active service. The in-service strain resolved without further treatment, and there is no evidence of chronicity post-service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left foot disability is remanded as the Board did not obtain an examination due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right foot disability is remanded for similar reasons as the left foot disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for athlete’s foot, headaches, and irritable bowel syndrome are being remanded due to a duty to assist error. VA examinations will be scheduled to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.