Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Denied

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective date, increased rating, and service connection were denied. The Board found that the current 50% disability rating for tension headaches is the maximum allowed under VA regulations.

The deciding factor: The Veteran did not provide sufficient evidence to establish an earlier effective date or a higher rating for his tension headaches. Service connection was granted but with a new-and-material basis, and no other service connection claims were established based on the available evidence.

Claimed conditions
tension headaches, obstructive sleep apnea, hair loss, weight gain, bilateral hand disability
How they argued it
Not specified
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
50%
Decision date
August 15, 2016
Citation
1632361

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 1632361.

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.

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.