The Board denied service connection for a somatization disorder and denied entitlement to a compensable rating for tension headaches prior to August 26, 1997. The veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for tension headaches effective from August 26, 1997 was also denied.,The Board found that the veteran did not have a somatization disorder related to his service and denied service connection for this condition.
The deciding factor: The VA determined that there was no evidence linking the veteran's somatization disorder to his military service, as it was first diagnosed several years after separation from active duty. The Board also found insufficient medical evidence to support a higher rating for tension headaches prior to August 26, 1997.
- Claimed conditions
- Somatization Disorder
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 29, 2008
- Citation
- 0817698
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 0817698.
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.
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- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board is unable to determine the status of the Veteran's claims for service connection and secondary service connection due to insufficient information. The claim for a compensable disability rating for peptic ulcer disease remains denied.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The claim will be further evaluated on its merits.
- Whole decision: Granted
The veteran's somatization disorder is rated at the highest possible evaluation (100%) due to its total occupational and social impairment.
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