The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The Veteran was not granted a compensable rating for migraine headaches, an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for his spermatocele condition, or TDIU.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating for migraine headaches, as there were no characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one in two months over the last several months. The Veteran's residuals of a left spermatocele with varicocele/hydrocele and infertility did not result in atrophy of both testis, removal of both testis, voiding dysfunction requiring the wearing of absorbent materials which must be changed two to four times per day, daytime voiding interval less than one hour, or awakening to void five or more times per night. The evidence also did not meet the criteria for TDIU as he was able to obtain and retain substantially gainful employment.
- Claimed conditions
- Dysthymic Disorder, Migraine Headaches, Left Spermatocele with Varicocele/Hydrocele
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 11, 2017
- Citation
- 1711591
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1711591.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
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 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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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