The Veteran's tension headaches were not rated higher than noncompensable prior to January 2, 2014. From January 2, 2014, to July 19, 2017, the Veteran was granted a 30 percent evaluation for her tension headaches. Since then, she has been granted a 50 percent evaluation.,The Veteran's bilateral rib disorder and left knee disorder are remanded as there is insufficient evidence of record.
The deciding factor: The Veteran did not meet the criteria for an increased rating prior to January 2, 2014. From January 2, 2014, to July 19, 2017, her headaches were rated at 30 percent due to very frequent prostrating attacks of headache pain.,The Veteran's rib disorder and left knee disorder are remanded as there is insufficient evidence linking the disorders to service.
- Claimed conditions
- Tension Headaches, Rib Disorder, Left Knee Disorder, Left Ankle Disorder, Right Ankle Disorder
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 17, 2020
- Citation
- 20048057
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 20048057.
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 Veteran's PTSD rating was reduced from 70 percent to 50 percent, effective February 20, 2025. The Board finds the reduction improper and restores the 70 percent disability rating for PTSD.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted SMC at the rate of 50% for his service-connected conditions from April 20, 2020 to June 7, 2021.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection and earlier effective dates for tension headaches and lower back condition. The remaining issues of service connection for eye, neck, persistent cough, TBI residuals, and bilateral leg conditions are REMANDED.
- Granted
The Veteran's tension headaches are rated at a 10% disability rating, effective from the date of the June 2020 decision. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable.
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