The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine has not resulted in forward flexion to less than 30 degrees or favorable ankylosis, so a higher rating is denied.,The Veteran's migraine headaches have been restored from noncompensable to 50% effective April 23, 2019.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not show that the Veteran’s degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine has resulted in forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less, or favorable ankylosis. The VA examiner found that range of motion was reduced due to pain and lack of endurance during flare-ups but still allowed for at least 35 degrees of forward flexion.,The Veteran's migraine headaches have not improved since the last evaluation.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Arthritis of the Lumbar Spine, Migraine Headaches
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 10, 2020
- Citation
- A20018347
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 A20018347.
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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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