The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his vascular (migraine) headaches, bilateral inguinal hernia, cervical spine disability, and right shoulder disability have been granted. The rating for the vascular (migraine) headaches is now at its highest possible level of 30 percent since July 5, 2011. The ratings for his cervical spine and right shoulder disabilities remain at 30 percent.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's claims were supported by evidence showing that he had characteristic prostrating attacks of vascular headaches occurring on average once a month over the last several months, with no recurrence of bilateral inguinal hernias. The DDD affecting his cervical spine was manifested by range of motion limited by pain to 35 degrees of flexion, and since July 5, 2011, this cervical spine DDD has not resulted in unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes during the past 12 months.
- Claimed conditions
- vascular (migraine) headaches, bilateral inguinal hernia, DDD of the cervical spine, right shoulder disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- August 1, 2012
- Citation
- 1226596
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 1226596.
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's right shoulder disability and migraines/chronic headaches are remanded for additional development due to insufficient opinions on the etiology of her conditions.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including right shoulder disability, abdominal hernia, GERD, bilateral ankle disabilities, and bilateral foot disabilities. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated during the appellant's period of active duty.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has denied service connection for residuals of gallbladder removal and remanded the other claims due to insufficient evidence.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for right shoulder, right shin, and left shin disabilities manifested by pain causing impairment in earning capacity. The decision is based on the Veteran's testimony regarding his symptoms during service.
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