Migraines & headaches Board decisions

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a head injury, finding no current diagnosis and insufficient evidence linking the claimed condition to active duty service.

The Veteran's headaches were productive of characteristic prostrating attacks at least once a month prior to January 20, 2020 and warrant a 30 percent disability rating.,Since January 20, 2020, the Veteran's service-connected headaches are evaluated at the maximum allowable rating under the applicable diagnostic code.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of his migraine headaches, jaw pain and facial spasms, left shoulder, forearm, and hand pain, cervical spine disability, and diplopia (double vision).

The Veteran is entitled to a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability prior to February 13, 2015 due to his service-connected disabilities. On or after February 13, 2015, the combined rating of his service-connected disabilities does not meet the criteria for TDIU.

The Veteran's headache disability was not incurred during active duty, did not manifest to a compensable degree within one year of separation from service, and is not otherwise related to military service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for a headache disability is denied.

The Board has found that a new VA examination is needed for the Veteran's lichen planus, and remands his claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, hypertension, migraines, and seizures as secondary to his service-connected lichen planus. The Veteran was not provided with adequate examinations or opinions regarding these issues.

The Veteran's disability ratings for his left and right lower extremity disabilities were improperly reduced, and the VA has been ordered to restore the original ratings.,The Veteran's back disability was also remanded due to insufficient evidence of improvement.

From October 11, 2019, the Veteran's migraines were granted a higher rating of 60 percent effective from that date. The issues of service connection for recurrent vulvovaginitis, uterine fibroids, and hysterectomy remain pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination and development regarding her cervical disorder and headaches, including a rating increase and service connection claims.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for migraine headaches is remanded due to the need for a new examination.

The Veteran's low back disability with radiculopathy to the bilateral knees is granted as service connected. The right knee, migraine, and right shoulder disabilities are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for migraines and GERD have been dismissed due to withdrawal of the claims. The cases for gout in both hands are remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's claim to reopen service connection for loss of teeth has been denied. The reduction in her migraines' disability rating from 70% to 50% is upheld, and she is granted a restoration of the 50% rating effective October 4, 2018. Other claims are pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and medical opinions.

The Veteran withdrew her appeals for left knee and headache claims before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for left leg disorder, right leg disorder, migraines, and frequent urination.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of September 21, 2016, for a 50 percent rating for service-connected migraine is granted. The Board finds that the increase in disability occurred on or before September 21, 2016.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to the need for additional VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than September 20, 2017, for the grant of service connection for tinnitus is denied.,The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus is denied. The maximum schedular rating authorized under Diagnostic Code 6260 has already been assigned.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and non-VA treatment records, SSA hearing transcript, and other relevant documents.