Migraines & headaches Board decisions

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and migraines, finding that there is no evidence to support a causal relationship between these conditions and his in-service fall from a flatbed truck.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to May 18, 2022 for the grant of service connection for migraines is denied. The July 2009 rating decision denying service connection for headaches became final as no new and material evidence was received within one year of notification.

The Veteran's service connection claims for migraine headaches and disability manifested by fatigue are granted due to presumed exposure in the Gulf War theater of operations. The Veteran has met the criteria for a qualifying chronic disability under the PACT Act, as his symptoms have persisted for more than six months.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine including migraine variants is granted with a rating of 30 percent, effective from March 1, 2021. The condition more nearly approximates characteristic prostrating attacks occurring on average at least once a month over the last several months.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, was denied. The claim for service connection for headaches is remanded due to the failure to obtain relevant medical records and a VA opinion.

The Board has restored service connection for migraine headaches and vertigo, finding that the August 2021 rating decision was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous.

The Veteran's initial 50 percent rating for service-connected posttraumatic headaches is granted, while the denial of a higher rating for posttraumatic trigeminal neuralgia remains unchanged.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent rating, effective March 3, 2021.,An initial 50 percent rating for migraines is granted, effective March 3, 2021.,Service connection for OSA and right knee disability are both granted. The right knee service connection decision was remanded.,The appeal of a duty to assist error during higher-level review (HLR) for the right knee disability is dismissed.,An earlier effective date than March 3, 2021, for the grant of service connection for migraines is denied.

The Board has denied service connection for low back strain with mild degenerative changes, and the Veteran's blackout spells (syncope) are being remanded. Service connection for migraine headaches is also being remanded.,Service connection for low back strain was denied due to a lack of evidence linking the current condition to an in-service injury or disease. The Board found that the Veteran's current back pain is more likely related to obesity, age, and deconditioning.

The effective date prior to October 1, 2012 for the grant of service connection for migraines and PTSD is denied.,The reduction in disability rating from 30 percent to 10 percent for pes planus with plantar fasciitis was not proper and is void ab initio.

Service connection is granted for DDD with strain and degenerative arthritis, lumbosacral spine.,Service connection is granted for right knee degenerative arthritis with post-traumatic changes.,Service connection is granted for migraine headaches.

The Board has remanded the claims for tinnitus and a headache condition due to inadequate VA opinions and the need for addendum opinions addressing the Veteran's lay statements regarding delayed onset of his conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for headaches as secondary to TMJ and for an acquired skin condition, including actinic keratoses, dysplastic nevi, keratinocyte atypia, slight hyperplasia of single melanocytes, seborrheic keratosis, solar elastosis and porokeratosis (claimed as melanoma and skin cancer), due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation from March 23, 2021, to March 9, 2022. From March 10, 2022, the Veteran is in receipt of a combined 100% rating for his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder and SMC at the housebound rate.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for migraine headaches is granted at a 30 percent level. The claims of service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis, right leg shin splints, and left leg shin splints are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeal for the issue of migraine headaches has been dismissed due to a request for withdrawal by his attorney.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for headaches has been dismissed because the Veteran and his representative withdrew their appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's request for higher-level review was timely submitted, and thus the appeal is considered valid. The VA denied service connection for various conditions in a previous rating decision, but the Board found that the Veteran's submission of his request for higher-level review was timely.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him wheelchair bound and in need of nursing home care, regular aid and attendance to prepare his meals, assist with bathing and hygiene needs, and manage medication. The Board has granted special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance but dismissed the claim for special monthly compensation at the housebound rate as moot.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of increased ratings for a back disability, migraine headaches, and traumatic brain injury residuals. The case will be remanded to allow for further examination and evaluation.