The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The rating for migraine headaches was not granted as the attacks did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, and the GERD rating was also denied due to insufficient evidence of considerable impairment. Service connection for a cervical spine disorder was denied because there was no in-service injury or disease that caused the condition.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not show very frequent, completely prostrating and prolonged attacks of migraine headaches productive of severe economic inadaptability, nor did it demonstrate persistent symptoms of GERD meeting the criteria for a higher rating. The cervical spine disorder was denied as there was no direct service connection due to lack of evidence of an injury or disease during service.
- Claimed conditions
- Migraine headaches, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Degenerative changes of the cervical spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 16, 2020
- Citation
- 20041050
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 20041050.
What this means for you
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for Dupuytren's contracture of the left hand, right hand, and GERD is remanded due to inadequate VA examination opinions and failure to consider toxic exposure risk activities during service.
- Denied
The Veteran's GERD is currently rated at 10 percent disabling, but the Board found that his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), finding that both conditions are secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lower back condition and sinusitis, respectively.
- Denied
The Board has denied service connection for bladder cancer, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as there is no evidence to support a link between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.
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