The Board granted a 50 percent rating for tension headaches and a 50 percent rating for left knee strain, limitation of extension, while denying ratings in excess of 30 percent for TMJ and a compensable rating for alopecia areata. The decision also granted 20 percent ratings for left and right knee strains with limitations on flexion and extension.

The deciding factor: The weight of the evidence supported a higher rating for tension headaches due to very frequent completely prostrating attacks, while the TMJ condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Board found that the Veteran's knees met the criteria for 50 percent ratings based on functional impairment equivalent to extension limited to 45 degrees and flexion limited to 30 degrees.

Claimed conditions

temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), tension headaches, alopecia areata, left knee strain, limitation of extension, left knee strain, limitation of flexion, right knee strain, limitation of extension, right knee strain, limitation of flexion, rhinitis, chronic sinusitis

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

November 20, 2025

Citation

A25101285

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