Migraines & headaches Board decisions

The Veteran's migraine headaches are currently rated at 30 percent, effective from September 1, 2007. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating as his migraines do not meet the criteria for a 50% rating due to very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks.

The Board has determined that further development is required before the issues of entitlement to service connection for residuals of a head injury and headaches may be considered on the merits.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for her low back disability, service connection for fibromyalgia and headaches. The criteria used to evaluate these conditions are considered adequate by VA.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted on an extraschedular basis due to his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and cervical/lumbar spine disabilities.

The Veteran's sleep apnea was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and it may not be presumed to have been incurred during service.,As the Veteran's claimed sleep degradation/deprivation/insomnia is already rated under his service-connected psychiatric disability, the appeal for service connection for this complaint is dismissed.,The criteria for an initial disability rating of 30 percent, but no more, for an acquired psychiatric disorder have been met throughout the appeal period.,The Veteran's right knee disability has not been productive of flexion less than 45 degrees, extension greater than zero, or lateral instability or subluxations; but it has been productive of less than full flexion and pain on motion throughout the appeal.,The criteria for an initial disability rating higher than 10 percent for migraine headaches have not been met at any time during the appeal period.,There being no justiciable case or controversy, the appeal for an initial disability rating higher than 50 percent for sinusitis beginning November 17, 2011, is dismissed.,There being no justiciable case or controversy, the appeal for an initial disability rating higher than 10 percent for allergic rhinitis beginning November 17, 2011, is dismissed.,The criteria for a rating of 50 percent for sinusitis from May 2, 2007, to November 17, 2011, are met; and the criteria for a rating of 10 percent, but no more, for allergic rhinitis from May 2, 2007, to November 17, 2011, are met.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to reassess the severity and permanence of her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is moot as he has been granted a 100% schedular rating and special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1114(s). The appeal of the psychiatric disorder claims is also dismissed as they are encompassed within his now service-connected psychiatric disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for a headache disorder and right shoulder rotator cuff syndrome, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are consistent with his military service. The appeal is therefore granted as to these issues.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for head injury residuals, including scar residuals, headaches, and TBI residuals is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to determine if his service-connected disabilities render him unemployable. The case will be returned to the Board for further consideration.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, headaches, low back disability, neck disability, and bilateral knee disabilities have been reopened. The evidence now supports a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of her claims, including obtaining relevant medical records and providing supplemental opinions regarding the etiology of her knee and stomach disorders.

The Board has determined that the effective dates for the grants of service connection and special monthly compensation are November 13, 2006, based on the date of receipt of the initial claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render her unemployable prior to December 30, 2003. The Board found that the effective date for TDIU should be set at December 30, 2003, and denied special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or being housebound.

The Board has granted service connection for headaches and a cervical spine disability, both secondary to the Veteran's right upper trapezius muscle spasm. The effective date of this award is April 3, 2009.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis and headaches were denied as he failed to report for the required VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed chronic headaches and GI/esophageal disorders are not service-connected, as they are either not related to his period of active service or are not proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected rheumatoid arthritis.

The Board found that the Veteran's current headache disorder did not have its onset in service and is not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's thoracic outlet syndrome does not meet the criteria for a separate compensable evaluation as it does not demonstrate demonstrable neurological impairment or other compensable impairment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic cervicogenic headaches and residuals of a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The VA examiner found no objective signs of a TBI on an MRI, and there was insufficient evidence to support any residuals from the in-service fall.,There is no credible evidence linking the Veteran's current conditions to his military service.