The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for tension headaches was denied as the evidence did not show very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.,The Veteran's anxiety disorder was rated at 50 percent, which is the highest schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 9413.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s headaches were characterized by characteristic prostrating attacks occurring on average once a month over several months, meeting the criteria for a 30 percent rating but not the higher 50 percent rating required for very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks.
- Claimed conditions
- Tension Headaches, Anxiety Disorder not otherwise specified, Residuals of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Cervical Spine Degenerative Arthritis, Left Shoulder Strain, Lumbar Spine Strain, Left Knee Lateral Instability, Left Knee Strain, Left Lower Extremity Peripheral Neuropathy, Left Ankle Sprain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 21, 2020
- Citation
- 20061736
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 20061736.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
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