The Veteran's tension headaches have been granted a 30% rating from March 2, 2016 to May 19, 2017. From May 19, 2017, the maximum schedular evaluation of 50% has been assigned.,The Veteran's TBI was initially rated noncompensable and increased to 10% from May 19, 2017. The current rating is still considered insufficient for a higher evaluation.,Left ankle tendonitis remains at the initial 10% rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's tension headaches have resulted in characteristic prostrating attacks occurring on an average once a month over several months, but not resulting in very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.,From May 19, 2017, the Veteran’s TBI is manifested by mild memory loss, attention, concentration, or executive functions and subjective complaints of headaches and photophobia, which do not interfere with work, daily living, or social relationship. The current rating does not reflect these findings.,Left ankle tendonitis has been rated at 10% since March 2, 2016.
- Claimed conditions
- Tension Headaches, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Left Ankle Tendonitis
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 22, 2018
- Citation
- 18128561
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 18128561.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's PTSD rating was reduced from 70 percent to 50 percent, effective February 20, 2025. The Board finds the reduction improper and restores the 70 percent disability rating for PTSD.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and its residuals, including unsteady gait, somnolence, and cognitive dysfunction. The decision is based on the Veteran's credible lay statements about in-service head injuries and subsequent seizures.
- Denied
The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and therefore, service connection for TBI is denied.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance due to service-connected TBI with PTSD is granted, effective September 6, 2018.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.