The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including TBI residuals, Chronic Pain Disorder, Headache Disorder, and Right Shoulder Arthritis as secondary to the service-connected lumbar spine degenerative disc disease with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), were denied. The Board found that there was no current disability related to these conditions at any time during the pendency of the appeal.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support a diagnosis of residuals from TBI, and the Veteran's chronic pain disorder and Headache Disorder were found to be secondary to his service-connected back disability. The Board also determined that there was no unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes for the increased rating period on appeal.
- Claimed conditions
- Traumatic Brain Injury Residuals, Chronic Pain Disorder, Headache Disorder, Right Shoulder Arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- October 29, 2021
- Citation
- A21017552
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 A21017552.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection are remanded due to inadequate medical opinions at the time of the June and August 2025 decisions. The cases will be returned to the AOJ for further development.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error in the initial disability rating for right shoulder arthritis. The Veteran needs an addendum medical opinion regarding additional lost range of motion during painful flare-ups.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Headache Disorder due to lack of in-service diagnosis or treatment, and the absence of a causal relationship between these conditions and service. The claim for Headache Disorder is remanded for further evaluation.
- Granted
An effective date of April 11, 2022, but no earlier, for the award of service connection for a headache disorder is granted. A 30 percent rating, but no more, for a headache disorder is granted.
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