The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of posttraumatic headaches, IVDS, spinal stenosis, and lumbosacral strain have been denied as the evidence does not show that his symptoms meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The VA examiners found that the Veteran's headaches did not manifest characteristic prostrating attacks occurring on an average once a month or more frequently over several months, and there was no medical evidence showing frequent and prolonged attacks of migraines as required for a 50% rating. The VA examinations also indicated that the Veteran does not have prostrating attacks of IVDS, spinal stenosis, or lumbosacral strain.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Headaches, Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS), Spinal Stenosis, Lumbosacral Strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- December 1, 2020
- Citation
- A20017685
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.
- Partly granted
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, except for a 20 percent rating for lumbosacral strain.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for tinnitus and left ear hearing loss disability, but remanded the issue of a compensable rating for right ear hearing loss. The increased rating claim for IVDS was withdrawn by the Veteran.
- Partly granted
The Board granted an increased evaluation of 70 percent for the service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but remanded other issues for further development.
- Denied
The Board denied increased ratings for posttraumatic stress disorder with substance abuse and a rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbosacral strain.
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.