The Veteran's right chronic Achilles tendonitis is rated at 10 percent, the maximum available under Diagnostic Code 5271. Service connection for cervical spine arthritis and left upper extremity radiculopathy (due to cervical spine disability) are granted as they are related to service-connected conditions. Migraine headaches are also service connected. Thoracic outlet syndrome is not service connected due to lack of a nexus. Somatic symptom disorder and antisocial personality disorder are service connected, while borderline personality disorder is not.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's right chronic Achilles tendonitis was rated at 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 5271 for limitation of motion. Service connection for cervical spine arthritis and left upper extremity radiculopathy (due to cervical spine disability) are granted as they are related to service-connected conditions, with the rationale that the Veteran's current symptoms are proximately due or the result of his service-connected disabilities. Migraine headaches are also service connected based on their relation to service. Thoracic outlet syndrome is not service connected due to lack of a nexus. Somatic symptom disorder and antisocial personality disorder are service connected, while borderline personality disorder is not.
- Claimed conditions
- Right chronic Achilles tendonitis, Cervical spine arthritis, Left upper extremity radiculopathy (due to cervical spine disability), Migraine headaches, Thoracic outlet syndrome (right upper extremity), Somatic symptom disorder (related to cervical spine and bilateral ankle disabilities), Antisocial personality disorder, Borderline personality disorder
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- December 11, 2015
- Citation
- 1552050
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 1552050.
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.
- 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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