The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for migraines and low back disability were denied. The current rating of 10 percent for migraines is maintained, while the initial 20 percent rating for low back disability was granted effective April 24, 2009.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show prostrating migraine attacks or incapacitating episodes as required for a higher rating. For the low back disability, the current 10 percent rating is maintained as there were no new and material issues presented in the appeal period.
- Claimed conditions
- Migraines, Low Back Disability (Thoracic Strain with Lumbar Degenerative Joint Disease and L5-S1 Degenerative Disc Disease)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- February 6, 2015
- Citation
- 1505567
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 1505567.
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 initial evaluation for tension headaches to include migraines is granted, with a rating of 50 percent effective from May 23, 2023.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for tension and migraine headaches is remanded due to the inadequacy of the September 2020 VA examination report, which did not consider the ameliorative effects of medication.
- Denied
The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his migraine headaches was denied as the evidence did not show that his migraines were productive of severe economic inadaptability.
- Denied
The Veteran's PTSD with TBI is rated at 70 percent, which is denied as the criteria for a higher rating are not met.
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