The Veteran's migraine headaches are granted a 50 percent evaluation, effective December 2, 2021. The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome is denied any increase in rating. The Veteran's right shoulder strain and left knee strains are both denied any increase in ratings. The Veteran's meningitis and urine leakage as a residual of meningitis are granted increased evaluations. Special monthly compensation for housebound status and TDIU based on single service-connected disability are granted. An earlier effective date for Dependents' Educational Assistance under 38 USC chapter 35 is denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's migraine headaches meet the criteria for a 50 percent evaluation, which is the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 8100. The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome is rated at its highest level of 30 percent and no higher. The Veteran's right shoulder strain and left knee strains do not meet the criteria for an increased rating as they are both currently rated at 20 percent. The Veteran's meningitis and urine leakage as a residual of meningitis meet the criteria for increased evaluations to 10 and 60 percent, respectively.
- Claimed conditions
- Migraine Headaches, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Right Shoulder Strain, Left Knee Strain, Meningitis, Urine Leakage as a Residual of Meningitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- December 18, 2024
- Citation
- A24084369
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 A24084369.
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 right and left knee strains, as well as shin splints, were granted increased ratings. The Veteran also received special monthly compensation at the housebound rate from October 25, 2017 to March 11, 2024.
- 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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of rationale in the VA examiner's opinion and an inconsistency between the examination report and nexus opinion.
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