The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for migraine headaches and TDIU were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation for his migraines prior to April 5, 2019, or an evaluation in excess of 30 percent beginning April 5, 2019. For TDIU, the Veteran's service-connected disabilities combined to at least 40 percent disabling but did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s migraines were found to be less than characteristic prostrating attacks and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability. His other service-connected conditions, including foot disabilities, spine disability, ankle disabilities, tinnitus, rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, narcolepsy, did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.
- Claimed conditions
- migraine headaches, back pain, foot pain, arthritis of feet, degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, right ankle instability and tendonitis, left ankle tendonitis, tinnitus, rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, narcolepsy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 6, 2020
- Citation
- 20031869
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 20031869.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, arthritis, and memory loss. The decision found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The issues of foot disability and cardiovascular disorder are remanded for additional development.
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