Migraines & headaches Board decisions

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for post-traumatic headaches prior to July 1, 2015, and in excess of 30 percent thereafter is remanded due to the need for additional evidentiary development. The TDIU issue is also remanded as it may impact the evaluation of the headache claim.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for tension headaches, radiculopathy of the radial nerve, and degenerative disc disease with cervical spondylitic myelopathy have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of these claims.

Service connection for hemorrhoids was denied. Prior to August 14, 2020, the Veteran's TBI did not meet criteria for a compensable rating.,From August 14, 2020, the Veteran's TBI disability is not rated higher than 40 percent.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for sleep apnea, a condition claimed as sinusitis, and a bilateral foot condition due to insufficient evidence.,The Veteran reported symptoms of snoring, fragmented sleep, and choking during his sleep in service. The VA examiner did not provide sufficient information on what additional factual information would be required to determine if the Veteran had sleep apnea during service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with bipolar II disorder is granted a 70 percent disability rating, but no higher. The other service-connected conditions are denied.

The Veteran's GERD was granted a 10 percent rating prior to May 10, 2022 and a 30 percent rating beginning on that date.,A 10 percent rating for hypertension was granted prior to January 14, 2019. No higher rating is warranted after that date.,The Veteran's migraine headaches were granted a 50 percent rating effective from May 10, 2022.,No higher ratings are warranted for either GERD or hypertension.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of headaches, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and left eye condition due to inadequate examinations. The Veteran's statements about his service injuries are assumed credible unless inconsistent with medical evidence or principles.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development. The issues of increased evaluations for asthma, migraine headaches, cervical spine strain post fusion C5-C6 with disc bulging and stenosis, and lumbago with L3-L4 disc herniation are all pending. A total disability rating based on individual unemployment (TDIU) prior to September 20, 2021 is also pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of seizure disorder, residuals of a stroke, or syncope and has not had these conditions at any time during the pendency of the claim or recent to the filing of the claim.,Regarding her claimed acquired psychiatric disorder (Panic Disorder), the Board finds that there is insufficient evidence to determine whether it clearly and unmistakably preexisted service. The Veteran's panic symptoms are attributed to unknown causes, and she cannot resolve whether they were caused by or a result of service-connected activities without resorting to mere speculation.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is granted as service-connected due to its onset during active service and aggravation by her service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran's asthma is granted as service-connected due to its manifestation within the 10-year presumptive period following separation from active service in Afghanistan.,The Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome is granted as service-connected due to its onset during active service.,The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus is not addressed by VA examination and requires further evaluation.,The Veteran's chronic bilateral ear disorder is not addressed by VA examination and requires further evaluation.,The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity nerve damage, to include as a result of a service-connected disability, is not addressed by VA examination and requires further evaluation.,The Veteran's bilateral upper extremity nerve damage, to include as a result of a service-connected disability, is not addressed by VA examination and requires further evaluation.,The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea, to include as a result of a service-connected disability, is granted as service-connected due to its aggravation by her major depressive disorder.,The Veteran's chronic headaches are granted as service-connected with an increased rating required based on the frequency and severity of attacks.,The Veteran's lumbar spine spondylosis at L5-S1 prior to September 25, 2019 is granted as service-connected with a higher rating required after that date.,The Veteran's cervical spine osteoarthritis prior to September 25, 2019 is granted as service-connected with a higher rating required after that date.,The Veteran's right knee medial compartment osteoarthritis is granted as service-connected with a higher rating required based on the severity of symptoms.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss but dismissed the claim for headaches, to include as secondary to service-connected sinusitis.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and increased rating of migraine headaches, bilateral hearing loss disability, back disability, right knee disability, and left knee disability. The Veteran's claim for an initial 30 percent rating prior to September 20, 2016, for migraine headaches is granted. The Board also remanded the claims for service connection and increased ratings of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is secondary to his service-connected deviated septum, but further examination and medical opinion are needed to establish this relationship.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of chloracne, migraines, kidney condition (including recurrent kidney stones), stomach or bowel disorder, and PTSD. The Veteran's private treatment records need to be obtained for all conditions.

The Board has denied service connection for hypertension and remanded the issues of TBI with headaches, left knee strain, right knee strain, and TDIU.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's migraine headaches, specifically whether they are related to service or secondary to his service-connected tinnitus.

The Veteran's headaches associated with otitis media are granted a 10 percent evaluation, effective from the date of this decision.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's claimed headache, IBS, and GERD disabilities. The Board also denied service connection for his left knee, right heel, and right ankle disabilities as secondary to service-connected PTSD, scar of the right ankle, tinnitus, and/or other conditions. No rating was assigned.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection have been dismissed since withdrawn. The appeal to establish entitlement to service connection for migraine headaches, secondary to service-connected posttraumatic seizures, is remanded.