The Veteran's fibromyalgia is granted an initial rating of 40 percent, and a separate compensable rating of 30 percent for headaches. The lumbosacral spine disability remains at 20 percent, while the cervical spine disability is denied any increase beyond the current 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's fibromyalgia was found to meet criteria for an initial 40 percent rating based on its constant widespread musculoskeletal pain and tender points. The headaches were found not to meet criteria warranting a separate compensable rating as they did not result in very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral spine (back), cervical spine (neck), fibromyalgia, headaches
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- January 31, 2023
- Citation
- 23006207
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 23006207.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraines was reopened due to new evidence. Service connection is granted for painful scars, but the rating assigned remains at 10 percent. The claims for fibromyalgia and bilateral shoulder disability are denied.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's headaches are at least as likely as not caused by his service-connected traumatic brain injury, and thus grants service connection for this condition.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development of records and will provide a supplemental statement of the case if necessary.
- Partly granted
The Board has not made a final determination on the claims of service connection for inguinal hernia, PTSD, joint pain, fibromyalgia, left knee disability, right knee disability, tinnitus, chronic fatigue syndrome, respiratory disability, sleep disorder, IBS, and headaches. The claims are remanded to obtain additional evidence and determine if these conditions are related to service.
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