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
- Not verified here — check the original 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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 20061736.
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).
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The Veteran's right shoulder disability, low back condition, bilateral knee disabilities, and left shoulder strain have been granted service connection. The Veteran's low back condition has been increased to a 40 percent evaluation, while the bilateral knee conditions remain at their current 10 percent evaluations.
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