Migraines & headaches Board decisions

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his service-connected migraines headaches was granted, but the Board found that more evidence is needed to determine if he should receive a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraines, including migraine variants and tension headaches, was denied as the evidence did not establish a direct relationship to his service-connected PTSD with MDD.,Claims for increased ratings for scars on both knees were also denied due to lack of evidence showing they meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches, as more development is needed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches as secondary to his service-connected peripheral retinal lattice degeneration with visual floaters and for a compensable disability rating for that condition. The Veteran must undergo a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any headache disability, including whether it is caused or aggravated by his service-connected peripheral retinal lattice degeneration.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for abrasion right leg is denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied due to lack of evidence of a disability during service and post-service. The Veteran has not been provided with an examination related to this issue.,Service connection for tinnitus is granted based on in-service exposure to noise and the Veteran's report of onset during service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's applications to reopen his previously denied claims for service connection for left eye disability, headaches, left knee disability, and right knee disability. The cases are remanded for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lower back disorder and headaches, as additional development is required.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the severity of the Veteran's service-connected headaches associated with allergic rhinitis. The Veteran needs a new examination to determine the current severity and frequency of her symptoms.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to June 30, 2016 due to insufficient evidence regarding his employment history and inability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches was denied as there is no persuasive evidence that the condition began during active service or is related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.,Service connection for a skin disorder (tinea cruris) was also denied due to lack of persuasive evidence showing the condition began during active service or is related to an in-service injury, event, or disease. The Veteran's current diagnosis of tinea cruris is attributed to post-service factors.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to procedural issues and new evidence that was not considered in the previous decision.

The Veteran's left knee disability is granted as secondary to his service-connected right knee disability. The issues of service connection for headache, right ankle, left ankle, back, and bilateral foot disabilities are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted as of January 27, 2014. The decision was based on his service-connected disabilities and the fact that he has been unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to these conditions.

The Board has remanded several service connection claims due to the need for VA examinations and medical nexus opinions, including those related to sinusitis, bilateral hearing loss, low back condition, right lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatica), residuals of a shoulder injury, and migraine headaches. The claims are being returned for further evaluation.

The Veteran's ingrown toenail of the right big toe is currently rated at 10 percent, but no higher. The Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating.,The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy is currently rated at 10 percent each, and the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected headache disorder is granted, and his PTSD is granted with a disability rating of 50 percent prior to June 2016 and 70 percent thereafter. The initial ratings for shin fractures and bilateral hearing loss are also granted.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, nerve damage of the left lower extremity, right upper extremity radiculopathy associated with residuals of a neck injury, and headache disability are all granted as secondary to service-connected conditions.

Service connection is granted for right rotator cuff tendinosis, with partial tears of the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and subscapularis muscles.,Service connection is granted for migraine headaches secondary to service-connected obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).,Service connection is granted for degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine secondary to service-connected left hip replacement.,The claim for service connection for a left knee condition remains on appeal.

The Veteran's left elbow disorder has been granted service connection, as it is related to his period of active service. The Board found that the Veteran experienced functional impairment due to continuous elbow pain.,The Veteran's sleep apnea and headache disorders have been remanded for further evaluation, as there are conflicting opinions regarding their onset during service or their relation to environmental exposures.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for increased ratings of his right and left ankle disabilities. The issues of whether new and material evidence was submitted to reopen a claim for service connection for a right eye injury, service connection for diabetes mellitus, and entitlement to increased ratings for knee and migraine headaches are remanded.