The Board granted an earlier effective date of May 19, 2021 for the 20 percent rating for degenerative arthritis of the right elbow joint and a 30 percent disability rating for migraine headaches, while denying increased ratings for other conditions.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's continuous pursuit of increased ratings for his right elbow disability from May 19, 2021, supported an earlier effective date. For the right elbow, the severity was ascertainable more than one year prior to the claim, and the Board granted a 30 percent rating for migraine headaches based on symptomatology.

Claimed conditions

Degenerative arthritis of the right elbow joint, status post ulnar nerve transposition surgery, limitation of flexion of the forearm, Migraine headaches, Degenerative arthritis of the right elbow joint, status post ulnar nerve transposition surgery, limitation of extension, Femoral nerve disability in the right lower extremity, Femoral nerve disability in the left lower extremity, Sleep apnea

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

30%

Decision date

December 8, 2025

Citation

A25105542

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