Migraines & headaches Board decisions

The Board granted service connection for tinnitus and denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, loss of use of bodily organs, hair loss, hearing loss, and other conditions. Some claims were remanded for further development.

The Board granted service connection for the Veteran's migraine headache condition, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board granted service connection for radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities, but denied increased ratings for COPD, chronic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, lumbosacral strain, migraine with chronic headaches, and residuals of a right ankle fracture. The Veteran was granted TDIU from January 12, 2022.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for headaches and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) to correct a pre-decisional duty to assist error, as there is evidence suggesting the existence of outstanding private treatment records that may be relevant to the Veteran's claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative changes of the cervical spine and migraines (claimed as headaches) as secondary to a degenerative change in the cervical spine.

The Board denied service connection for multiple disabilities, including cervical spine, radiculopathy, foot and ankle conditions, hypertension, migraines, skin issues, bone pain, and kidney problems, as the evidence did not support a finding of an in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The Board remands the claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and a compensable rating for migraine headaches to ensure that all relevant private treatment records are obtained.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection and special monthly compensation based on loss of use of a creative organ.

The Board granted restoration of a 10 percent disability rating for service-connected IBS from December 7, 2021, as the reduction was improper.

The Board granted a 20 percent rating for lumbosacral strain but denied ratings in excess of 10 percent for left lower extremity radiculopathy and service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, tension headaches, testicular torsion, and bilateral hearing loss.

The Board granted service connection for hypertension, major depressive disorder, and somatic symptom disorder but denied service connection for a back disability. The claims for other conditions were remanded.

The Board granted a 70 percent rating for anxiety disorder prior to June 23, 2021, and denied a higher rating from that date. The Board also denied a compensable rating for headaches prior to July 29, 2014, and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities resulted in the need for aid and attendance as he requires care or assistance on a regular basis to feed himself, keep himself clean and presentable and protect himself from the hazards or dangers inherent in his daily environment.

The Board remands the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating, as well as the claim for TDIU, to provide further development of evidence.

The appeal for a rating in excess of 30 percent for the veteran's migraine disability was dismissed due to the veteran's withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to the Veteran's service-connected unspecified anxiety disorder, sinusitis and migraine headache disabilities.

The Board granted the restoration of a 40% evaluation for thoracolumbar degenerative disc disease with discogenic low back syndrome, spinal stenosis and history of lumbar strain. Service connection was denied for chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, heart condition to include palpitations (also claimed as cardiac arrhythmia), irritable bowel syndrome, residuals from stroke or a heat stroke, respiratory insufficiency (dyspnea), restless leg syndrome (RLS), obstructive sleep apnea, and migraine headaches.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for a headache disorder and chronic sinus disorder to provide the Veteran with notice of the right to a pre-decisional hearing.

The Board granted service connection for chronic headaches, finding that the evidence was at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's headache condition is causally related to his period of active service.

The Board granted an effective date of July 29, 2022, for a 30 percent rating for the veteran's migraine headaches.