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 assigned
- None in this 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 20031869.
What this means for you
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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 claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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