The Veteran's migraine headaches have been granted a 50% evaluation since April 10, 2014.,For the period prior to August 7, 2014, his lumbar spine disability was not manifested by ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine and thus did not warrant a higher than 20% evaluation. However, beginning on August 7, 2014, he is now in receipt of a 40% evaluation for this condition.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's migraine headaches have been found to be very frequent and completely prostrating, meeting the criteria for a maximum 50% rating. For his lumbar spine disability, ankylosis was not present prior to August 7, 2014, but it has since occurred.
- Claimed conditions
- Migraine Headaches, Lumbar Spine Disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 15, 2015
- Citation
- 1539447
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 1539447.
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's 50% disability rating for migraine headaches was restored as the evidence did not show actual improvement in his ability to function under ordinary conditions of life and work.
- Granted
The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at a 50 percent rating, effective December 3, 2021, due to frequent and severe attacks that significantly impact his ability to work.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of erectile dysfunction was dismissed. A rating of 50 percent, and no higher, for migraines is granted. An initial rating of 30 percent, and no higher, for IBS is granted. Service connection for hypertension is remanded.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected PTSD alone is sufficient to grant a TDIU, and his other service-connected disabilities are at least 60% combined. The Veteran also meets the criteria for SMC based on housebound status.
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