Migraines & headaches Board decisions

The Board granted service connection for migraine headaches, finding that the evidence is at least in approximate balance as to whether the Veteran's migraine headaches were caused by his service.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss as there was no evidence of a current disability meeting the regulatory threshold for hearing loss benefits at any point during the appeal period.

The Board granted service connection for loss of sensation in the right forearm with pins and needles and burning sensation, but denied service connection for chronic pain in the left shoulder with loss of range of motion (joint pain), chronic pain in the right groin area, a compensable evaluation for headaches, a compensable rating for the right anterior forearm scar, and an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding all claims, and the Board has dismissed these matters.

The Board remands the matter for further development to verify the Veteran's current income and determine whether he is engaged in employment that is either marginal or substantially gainful.

The veteran has withdrawn the appeals for all service connection and rating issues.

The Board granted an initial rating of 50 percent for the Veteran's headaches, as they cause very frequent, completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.

The Board granted a rating of 40 percent for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity (sciatic nerve) but denied service connection and increased ratings for other conditions.

The appeal regarding service connection for a cervical spine disability was dismissed as the Veteran submitted a supplemental claim after an initial notice of disagreement, which is prohibited by law.

The Board granted an effective date of May 21, 2008, for the grant of total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to continuous pursuit of increased rating claims and the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Board remands the issues of entitlement to a rating higher than 50 percent for migraine headaches and entitlement to special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance for TBI, as it needs further evidence and clarification.

The Board granted an initial 50 percent disability rating for headaches, effective December 14, 2020.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for headaches, a mental health disorder, vertigo, and a right wrist disability due to an incomplete record of the Veteran's service treatment records (STRs) and service personnel records (SPRs).

The Board dismissed the claims for service connection for headaches, asthma rating reduction, and low back condition. The claims for bilateral flat foot and fallen arches, right ankle, left ankle, and bilateral hearing loss were denied. However, the 70 percent rating for PTSD was restored.

The Board granted readjudication of the claims for entitlement to earlier effective dates for the grants of service connection for a right ankle disability, right knee disability, left ankle disability, left knee disability, and lumbosacral disability.

The Board remands the matter for a new VA examination to determine the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected migraines, discounting the ameliorative effects of medication.

The Board remands the claim for a more adequate medical opinion regarding the Veteran's migraine, considering his reports of headaches since 1990 and environmental exposures in Kuwait.

The Board remands the claim for a more adequate medical opinion regarding the Veteran's headaches, to include as secondary to PTSD.

The Board dismissed the veteran's appeal for service connection for various conditions, including an acquired psychiatric disorder and physical ailments, as no proper disagreement was filed prior to the December 2023 VA Form 10182.

The Board granted an initial rating of 50 percent for migraine including migraine variants and denied a rating in excess of 30 percent for irritable bowel syndrome with gastroesophageal reflux disease. The claims for service connection for right knee and lumbar spine disorders were remanded.