The veteran's migraine headaches and tinnitus are rated at the maximum schedular evaluations, but his service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.
The deciding factor: The veteran has a combined rating of 60% due to his service-connected disabilities (50% for migraines and 10% for tinnitus). However, he was able to complete an associate's degree program despite having headaches that were completely prostrating on some days. His testimony indicates he is looking for work in the field of visual communications.
- Claimed conditions
- migraine headaches, tinnitus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- February 16, 2001
- Citation
- 0104867
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 0104867.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, arthritis, and memory loss. The decision found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, migraine headaches, and PTSD due to additional development of records and examination.
- Granted
The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The issues of foot disability and cardiovascular disorder are remanded for additional development.
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