The Veteran's lumbar degenerative disc disease and mixed headache syndrome, migraine predominant were granted initial ratings of 40 percent prior to February 22, 2010; from May 1, 2010 until November 16, 2015; and beginning November 16, 2015. The Veteran was also granted a TDIU effective September 1, 2008.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed that the Veteran's lumbar degenerative disc disease and mixed headache syndrome were manifested by significant functional impairment, with forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine at or below 30 degrees in most periods. The headaches were characterized as very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar degenerative disc disease, mixed headache syndrome, migraine predominant
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- October 25, 2018
- Citation
- 18144637
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 18144637.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board granted a 40 percent rating for the Veteran's lumbar degenerative disc disease, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the claimant.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbar degenerative disc disease, finding no evidence of a nexus between the condition and his military service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and lumbar degenerative disc disease to allow VA to obtain potentially relevant records from Florida VA facilities and clarify dates and locations of periods of incarceration.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for a higher rating for lumbar degenerative disc disease and service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy, as secondary to the back disability.
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