The Veteran's initial rating for chronic tension headaches is denied, and his initial rating for lumbosacral strain (prior to November 23, 2019) is also denied. However, a 20% rating is granted from November 23, 2019, for the lumbosacral strain.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's tension headaches did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as they were productive of characteristic prostrating attacks occurring on an average once a month over several months, which is consistent with the current 30% rating. For the lumbar spine disability, the evidence showed that it was productive of forward flexion greater than 60 degrees but not greater than 85 degrees and painful motion, meeting the criteria for a 10% rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic Tension Headaches, Lumbosacral Strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- November 15, 2022
- Citation
- A22023045
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 A22023045.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings on several conditions have been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeals.,The Board has not assigned a specific rating or effective date as the claims are being remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found a pre-decisional error in the denial of the Veteran's request to change his vocational rehabilitation goal from diesel technology to obtaining a music degree. The case is being remanded for further evaluation and consideration.
- Granted
The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been granted, with effective dates set at October 18, 2023. The lumbosacral strain has also received a higher initial rating.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for further medical examinations and evaluations. The issues include psychiatric disabilities, lumbosacral strain, plantar fasciitis, rheumatoid arthritis, prostate disability, erectile dysfunction, hearing loss, nasal disability, and pulmonary disability.
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