An initial rating of 50 percent for bipolar disorder with anxious distress (previously rated as major depressive disorder with anxiety and alcohol use disorder, in partial remission; claimed as depression) is granted from May 1, 2018, through August 8, 2018.,Entitlement to a compensable rating for migraines prior to August 6, 2019, is denied. A rating of 50 percent for migraines as of August 6, 2019, is granted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms more closely approximated the level required for a 50 percent rating from May 1, 2018, through August 8, 2018, and a 50 percent rating as of August 6, 2019.
- Claimed conditions
- Bipolar Disorder with Anxious Distress (previously rated as Major Depressive Disorder with Anxiety and Alcohol Use Disorder, in partial remission; claimed as Depression), Migraine Headaches
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- April 29, 2024
- Citation
- A24021687
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 A24021687.
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 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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