The Veteran's claims for migraine headaches, a sleep disorder (including an acquired psychiatric disorder), and right shoulder pain were denied. The claim for migraine headaches was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence. The claim for a sleep disorder was reopened but still denied as there is no link between the condition and service. Right shoulder pain was also denied as it did not arise during service or be related to service.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's right shoulder pain was found not to have arisen during his active duty service and was not etiologically related to his service.
- Claimed conditions
- Migraine Headaches, Acquired Psychiatric Disorder (alcohol abuse disorder), Right Shoulder Pain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 7, 2018
- Citation
- 18132993
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 18132993.
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 50% disability rating for migraine headaches was restored as the evidence did not show actual improvement in his ability to function under ordinary conditions of life and work.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at a 50 percent rating, effective December 3, 2021, due to frequent and severe attacks that significantly impact his ability to work.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected PTSD alone is sufficient to grant a TDIU, and his other service-connected disabilities are at least 60% combined. The Veteran also meets the criteria for SMC based on housebound status.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of erectile dysfunction was dismissed. A rating of 50 percent, and no higher, for migraines is granted. An initial rating of 30 percent, and no higher, for IBS is granted. Service connection for hypertension is remanded.
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.