The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for migraines and TBI residuals were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for migraines prior to January 9, 2017 or from January 9, 2017 onwards.
The deciding factor: The VA examiners' evaluations indicated that the Veteran's headaches did not result in completely prostrating and prolonged attacks, which is required for a 50% rating under Diagnostic Code 8100. The evidence prior to January 2017 showed no interference with daily activities or vocational functioning.
- Claimed conditions
- Migraines, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- June 12, 2019
- Citation
- 19145780
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.
- Granted
The Board granted a rating of 70 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), as the Veteran's symptoms most nearly approximated occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, COPD, a gastrointestinal disability, and migraines due to lack of evidence supporting a link between these conditions and her military service.
- Partly granted
The Board granted an effective date of April 5, 2018, for the award of service connection for PTSD and denied earlier effective dates for erectile dysfunction, left ear hearing loss, migraines, and other conditions.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for degenerative arthritis and spinal stenosis of the lumbar spine, degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis of the cervical spine, migraines, and tinnitus secondary to PTSD.
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