The veteran's migraine headaches are characterized by headache episodes occurring three to four times per week, lasting two to six hours each. The initial rating assigned is 30 percent, the maximum under Diagnostic Code 8100 for very frequent prostrating attacks. The veteran's low back strain is characterized by subjective complaints of pain with range of motion of the lumbar spine of 95 degrees of forward flexion, 35 degrees of backward extension, and lateral flexion and bilateral rotation to 40 degrees. The initial rating assigned for this condition is 0 percent. The veteran's hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal disease, status post Nissen fundoplication, is characterized by occasional epigastric cramps/pain about three times per month, with no weight gain or loss for the past year or anemia. The initial rating assigned for this condition is 0 percent.
The deciding factor: The veteran's migraine headaches are manifested by characteristic prostrating attacks occurring on an average once a month over the last several months, warranting a 30 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 8100. His low back strain and hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal disease do not meet the criteria for higher ratings as they do not result in more severe disability.
- Claimed conditions
- Hiatal Hernia with Gastroesophageal Disease, Status Post Nissen Fundoplication, Low Back Strain, Migraine Headaches
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- April 11, 2003
- Citation
- 0307039
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0307039.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
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- Partly granted
The Board granted a 100 percent disability rating for PTSD, NCD, and TBI prior to May 4, 2023, and restored the 10 percent rating for GERD effective June 8, 2023.
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