The VA denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for her service-connected cervical spine disability and migraine headaches, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The VA determined that the veteran's degenerative changes of the cervical spine were characterized by tenderness but no severe invertebral disc syndrome or incapacitating episodes. Her migraine headaches were found to be mild and infrequent, without characteristic prostrating attacks.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative changes of the cervical spine, Migraine headaches
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- March 10, 2005
- Citation
- 0506856
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 0506856.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's service connection claims for traumatic brain injury and migraine headaches due to right eye removal are granted. The claim for a compensable evaluation of xeroderma of the right eye is remanded.
- Denied
The Board denied an increased initial disability rating for migraine headaches, finding that the Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a 50% rating due to lack of very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased ratings were dismissed due to an improper concurrent election.
- Granted
The Veteran's 50% disability evaluation for migraine headaches was restored to May 12, 2021 after the reduction in rating was found not proper.
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