Migraines & headaches Board decisions

The Veteran withdrew their appeal regarding the reduction of their migraines disability rating from 50% to 30%, effective July 9, 2020.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for migraines associated with PTSD and alcohol use disorder was granted, resulting in a 30 percent initial disability rating. The evidence of record supports finding that the Veteran experiences characteristic prostrating attacks occurring on average once a month over several months.

The Veteran's claim for diabetes mellitus, type II was denied as there is no evidence of its onset in service or a link to service.,Before January 1, 2016, the Veteran's headaches were rated at 30 percent and not higher due to lack of very frequent, completely prostrating attacks. Beginning January 1, 2016, his rating was increased to 50 percent based on more severe symptoms.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased initial rating in excess of 30 percent for migraine headaches is dismissed as a matter of law because the November 13, 2020 VA Form 10182 was docketed in error and the July 2019 decision only partially granted the pending issue.

The Veteran's headaches are granted a 30% rating, effective from the date of the decision. The Veteran's urinary urgency and right knee strain remain at their current ratings.

The Board has found the VA examination opinions inadequate due to their failure to address direct service connection and the Veteran's competent reports of self-treating with over-the-counter medication. The claims are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal for left shoulder disability was withdrawn by the Veteran during his virtual Board hearing.,Service connection is granted for tinnitus, headaches, GERD, chronic pain syndrome, lumbar radiculopathy (legs and feet), lumbar radiculopathy (arms and hands), and unspecified depressive disorder. Service connection is denied for PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in the physical loss or permanent loss of use of one or both hands or feet, and therefore, he does not qualify for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or other conveyance or adaptive equipment.

The Veteran's migraines have not manifested in very frequent completely prostrating attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability, so the claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to calculate the cost of transporting the Veteran's remains from his home in Elyria, Ohio, to the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. The criteria for entitlement to burial transportation reimbursement have not been met.

The Veteran's entitlement to an initial rating of 50 percent for migraine headaches is granted, as he experiences very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks capable of severe economic inadaptability.

The Veteran's claims for insomnia and a disability manifested by chronic fatigue are being remanded as the Board is unable to make a decision based on the current evidence.,Additional information or medical evidence may be needed to determine whether the Veteran's insomnia and/or chronic fatigue are related to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50% effective October 4, 2016. The Board found the Veteran suffers from very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral foot condition, including aggravation of a pre-existing condition, is denied. The Board finds the persuasive evidence of record does not support the claim.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for left arm radiculopathy is denied. The current 20% rating adequately reflects the severity of his disability.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear sensorineural hearing loss, but denied service connection for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus. Service connection for headaches was also denied.

The Veteran's sinusitis, sleep apnea, and migraine disabilities are granted as service-connected.,An increased rating of 70% for the acquired psychiatric disorder is granted.

The Veteran's increased ratings for major depressive disorder with alcohol abuse disorder, tension headaches with dizziness, and tinnitus have been denied.,The Veteran's TDIU claim has also been denied as he is not unemployable due to a single service-connected disability.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for migraines is granted, but his claim for a traumatic brain injury remains denied.

The Veteran's back brace caused wear and tear on his clothing, but he does not have a service-connected elbow disability or skin condition requiring the use of topical steroid cream. The Board has granted an annual clothing allowance for the back brace in 2020.

Service connection is granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder, unspecified depressive disorder.,Service connection is also granted for tension headaches.