The Board denied the appellant's claims for an increased evaluation of posttraumatic headaches and service connection for a right arm/shoulder disorder, finding that he did not establish veteran status for purposes of these claims.
The deciding factor: The appellant was on inactive duty training (IDT) at the time of his motor vehicle accident in September 1992. He failed to show that he is a veteran for purposes of service connection based on this IDT, as there was no medical nexus between his current right arm/shoulder disorder and his in-service injury.
- Claimed conditions
- posttraumatic headaches
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 13, 2000
- Citation
- 0018460
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0018460.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's posttraumatic headaches are currently rated at the highest schedular rating (50%) and no higher, as his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation. The appeal is denied.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's application for special monthly compensation at the (r)(1) rate was denied as he did not meet the criteria for this level of SMC based on his service-connected disabilities and need for regular aid and attendance.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied a rating higher than 50 percent for posttraumatic headaches and a rating higher than 70 percent for PTSD with TBI.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 50 percent for service-connected posttraumatic headaches, as the criteria for a higher rating were not met.
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