The Veteran's appeal for a compensable initial rating for migraine headaches prior to February 6, 2017 is denied. A rating of 50 percent, but no higher, for migraine headaches from February 6, 2017 is granted.,The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bruxism (claimed as a dental disorder) is granted.
The deciding factor: The preponderance of the evidence does not support a compensable initial rating prior to February 6, 2017 for migraine headaches due to lack of characteristic prostrating attacks.,From February 6, 2017, the Veteran's very frequent and prolonged migraines are productive of severe economic inadaptability warranting a 50 percent disability rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Migraine Headaches, Bruxism (claimed as a dental disorder)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 17, 2021
- Citation
- 21008603
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 21008603.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's 50% disability rating for migraine headaches was restored as the evidence did not show actual improvement in his ability to function under ordinary conditions of life and work.
- Granted
The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at a 50 percent rating, effective December 3, 2021, due to frequent and severe attacks that significantly impact his ability to work.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected PTSD alone is sufficient to grant a TDIU, and his other service-connected disabilities are at least 60% combined. The Veteran also meets the criteria for SMC based on housebound status.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of erectile dysfunction was dismissed. A rating of 50 percent, and no higher, for migraines is granted. An initial rating of 30 percent, and no higher, for IBS is granted. Service connection for hypertension is remanded.
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