Service connection for migraine headaches, bilateral hearing loss, and Sjogren’s syndrome is denied.,An earlier effective date of May 31, 2005 for the grant of service connection for back disability is granted. A rating in excess of 20 percent for back disability remains denied.,Ratings in excess of 10 percent for radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities are denied from August 15, 2016 to February 6, 2020. Ratings of 40 percent, but no higher, are granted beginning February 7, 2020.,Service connection for tinnitus is not granted.

The deciding factor: The medical evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's migraine headaches, bilateral hearing loss, or Sjogren’s syndrome were incurred in service. The earlier effective date claim was granted based on VA receiving an informal claim for back disability on May 31, 2005. Ratings for radiculopathy and tinnitus remain denied as there is no evidence of a current disability meeting the criteria.

Claimed conditions

migraine headaches, bilateral hearing loss, Sjogren’s syndrome, back disability (degenerative arthritis, intervertebral disc syndrome, and degenerative disc disease of the spine)

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

20%

Decision date

February 2, 2021

Citation

21005915

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 21005915.