The Veteran's migraine headaches are currently rated at the maximum schedular rating of 50 percent, and an effective date prior to December 9, 2017, is denied.,PTSD was granted a 30 percent disability rating in June 2016, which was continued in May 2018. A 50 percent rating for PTSD is now effective from December 9, 2017.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and sciatic nerve radiculopathy were initially rated at 10 percent each, with a 40 percent rating for the lumbar spine and 20 percent ratings for both lower extremities granted in August 2018. The effective date is December 9, 2017.,PTSD was granted a 30 percent disability rating in June 2016, which was continued in May 2018. A 50 percent rating for PTSD is now effective from December 9, 2017.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at the maximum schedular rating of 50 percent and an increase within one year prior to the date of receipt of his claim was not factually ascertainable.,PTSD increased in disability is not factually ascertainable within one year prior to December 9, 2017.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and sciatic nerve radiculopathy were rated at 10 percent each initially. A 40 percent rating for the lumbar spine and 20 percent ratings for both lower extremities are now effective from December 9, 2017.,PTSD increased in disability is not factually ascertainable within one year prior to December 9, 2017.
- Claimed conditions
- migraine headaches, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), status post lumbar spinal L4-5 & L5-S1 fusion surgery herniated bulging disc and degenerative intervertebral disc disease, right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy, left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 17, 2020
- Citation
- 20019733
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 20019733.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder and PTSD. The Veteran will be asked to provide additional medical records and undergo a VA examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his alleged stressors.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for additional development regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, migraine headaches, and PTSD due to additional development of records and examination.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
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.