The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial rating higher than 20 percent for myofascial pain syndrome, finding that his symptoms were episodic and present more than one-third of the time but not refractory to therapy.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s symptoms were found to be episodic with exacerbations often precipitated by environmental or emotional stress or by overexertion, but they were not refractory to treatment.
- Claimed conditions
- myofascial pain syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- January 5, 2021
- Citation
- 21000442
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 21000442.
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal regarding a rating for muscle atrophy due to thoracic outlet syndrome and related conditions has been dismissed as the appellant requested withdrawal of the appeal.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability is related to events in service and grants service connection for a back disability.
- Granted
The appellant is granted SMC(o) and SMC(r)(1) based on his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, glaucoma, foot drop conditions, sleep apnea, migraines, overactive bladder, and various musculoskeletal issues. He does not qualify for higher rates due to the anatomical loss or use of extremities.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for head injury, myofascial pain syndrome, and depression as the evidence did not support a causal relationship between these conditions and the Veteran's period of active duty.
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