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 assigned
- None in this 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 1800445.
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.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for GERD as it was aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, but denied service connection for ED due to a lack of evidence showing a current diagnosis. The issue of entitlement to service connection for anxiety is remanded.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for erectile dysfunction and denied service connection for left foot tendonitis. The Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease and bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis were rated in excess of 10 percent and 50 percent, respectively.
- Granted
The Board granted a 10 percent evaluation for the Veteran's GERD, finding that his condition is productive of daily medications to control dysphagia and is otherwise asymptomatic.
- Partly granted
The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for GERD and remanded the claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, a back disability, and sinusitis.
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