The Veteran's initial rating for his service-connected headache syndrome has been granted at the maximum schedular rating of 50 percent, which is the highest possible under the applicable diagnostic code. The appeal was denied as there are no additional symptoms or factors that would warrant a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's headaches have been rated based on their frequency and severity, with the current rating reflecting very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged headache attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability. As this is the highest schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 8100, no higher rating can be assigned.
- Claimed conditions
- headache syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 8, 2016
- Citation
- 1631450
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 1631450.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions were granted effective from July 1, 2020.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted an initial disability rating of 50 percent for headache syndrome, finding that the evidence is in at least approximate balance as to whether the Veteran's headaches have more nearly approximated very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability throughout the period on appeal.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted service connection for headache syndrome, as it is caused by the Veteran's service-connected tinnitus.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection and related benefits, as no clear and unmistakable error was found in the prior rating decisions and the evidence did not support an earlier effective date.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.