The Veteran's claim for service connection for a headache disorder, secondary to chronic low back pain, was denied. The Veteran also had his claims for increased ratings for chronic low back pain and depression denied.,For the period prior to June 24, 2013, the Veteran’s rating for chronic low back pain with muscle spasm was denied. However, from that date forward, a 40% rating was granted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of headaches or migraines and his service records showed only one instance of headache complaints in April 1998. His low back pain had improved to the point where it warranted a 40% rating, but no higher.
- Claimed conditions
- headache disorder, chronic low back pain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- April 19, 2018
- Citation
- 18100734
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 18100734.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to predecisional duty-to-assist errors, including inadequate medical opinions and missed VA examinations. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition is being returned to the RO for further action.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received for the Veteran's claims of service connection for lumbar spine disorder and headache disorder, and thus these claims are remanded for readjudication.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating for persistent depressive disorder has been withdrawn.,Service connection is granted for conjunctivitis and headache disorder, both of which are directly related to service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded to obtain a VA examination for his claimed headache disorder, which may be related to his service-connected chronic bilateral cerumen impaction.
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