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 Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment prior to August 14, 2023.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for migraines, lumbar degenerative disc disease with associated lower extremity radiculopathy, and right and left lower extremity radiculopathy. Service connection is denied for left hip strain and right hip strain.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition was denied in December 2009, and the effective date of this denial is May 8, 2013.,The Veteran's claim for right lower extremity radiculopathy associated with his lumbar spine disability was also denied in December 2009, and the effective date of this denial is May 8, 2013.,The Veteran's claim for a postoperative back scar related to his service-connected lumbar spine disability was denied in December 2009, and the effective date of this denial is May 8, 2013.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral pes planus with right great toe hallux limitus; bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy; obstructive sleep apnea; cervical degenerative arthritis, disc disease, spinal stenosis, and C4-C7 fusion; left shoulder strain; lumbar degenerative disc disease; right shoulder strain; right knee tendonitis; left knee tendonitis; painful right neck scar; tinnitus; right lower extremity polyneuropathy; and left lower extremity polyneuropathy render him unable to secure or follow any substantially gainful occupation.
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