The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for migraine headaches, DDD of the lumbar spine, and DDD of the cervical spine were denied. The Board found that his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a 50% rating under Diagnostic Code 8100 (migraine headaches) or the very frequent prostrating attacks required for a higher rating under Diagnostic Codes 5242 (DDD of the lumbar and cervical spine).
The deciding factor: The Veteran's headaches were found to be less severe than those that would qualify for a 50% rating, as they did not cause 'very frequent' prostrating attacks. His DDD of the lumbar and cervical spines also did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under Diagnostic Codes 5242.
- Claimed conditions
- Migraine Headaches, Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) of the Lumbar Spine, Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) of the Cervical Spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 31, 2018
- Citation
- 1806128
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 1806128.
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
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