The Board denied a rating in excess of 40 percent for thoracic back strain, a compensable rating for posttraumatic headaches prior to June 25, 2019, and an initial compensable disability rating for scars of the right shoulder. However, it granted a 50 percent rating for posttraumatic headaches beginning on that date.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran's thoracic back strain did not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to the absence of unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes. For posttraumatic headaches, the Board determined that the Veteran met the criteria for a 50 percent rating beginning June 25, 2019, based on characteristic prostrating attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.
- Claimed conditions
- thoracic back strain, posttraumatic headaches, scars of the right shoulder, status post left ankle fracture with left calf atrophy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 12, 2022
- Citation
- 22001680
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied a rating higher than 50 percent for posttraumatic headaches and a rating higher than 70 percent for PTSD with TBI.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 50 percent for service-connected posttraumatic headaches, as the criteria for a higher rating were not met.
- Granted
The Board granted a 50 percent rating for posttraumatic headaches based on the Veteran's symptoms of very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks that are productive of severe economic inadaptability.
- Denied
The Board denied an earlier effective date for the 50 percent disability rating for posttraumatic headaches, finding that the evidence did not support a 50 percent rating prior to July 11, 2024.
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