The Veteran's initial claim for higher ratings for cluster headaches/migraines and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 30 percent prior to April 9, 2012, or in excess of 50 percent thereafter for migraines. For GERD, the Veteran's symptoms were considered to be at least as severe as those warranting a 10 percent rating since October 26, 2015.,The Board also found that the evidence did not support a higher than 30 percent rating for GERD after October 26, 2015.
The deciding factor: For migraines prior to April 9, 2012, the Veteran's symptoms were considered to be at least as severe as those warranting a 30 percent rating. For GERD since October 26, 2015, the evidence did not support a higher than 30 percent rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Cluster Headaches/Migraines, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 4, 2018
- Citation
- 1800445
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 1800445.
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 acquired psychiatric disorder is granted a 70% rating, effective July 15, 2024. The Veteran's GERD remains at a 10% rating.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's PTSD is granted at a 70 percent rating prior to July 29, 2024. The GERD rating remains at 30 percent disabled but no higher.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's IBS with GERD was granted an initial 60 percent rating. The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea due to insufficient medical opinions and development.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected IBS and GERD, finding that the evidence does not support a higher rating under the applicable criteria.
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