The Veteran's left elbow disability is granted a higher initial rating of 10 percent, but no higher. The Veteran's migraine headaches are denied any increase in rating beyond the current 30 percent. The Veteran's PTSD is denied an increased rating to over 50 percent. The Veteran's service connection claims for CFS, OSA, sinusitis, left foot disorder, and right shoulder disorder are all denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show a current diagnosis for the claimed conditions of CFS, OSA, sinusitis, left foot disorder, or right shoulder disorder at any time during or immediately prior to the relevant claim period on appeal. The Veteran's PTSD was found to have occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.
- Claimed conditions
- Left elbow strain (left elbow disability), Migraine headaches, Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Sinusitis, Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), Left foot plantar fasciitis (left foot disorder), Right shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis (right shoulder disorder)
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- April 8, 2026
- Citation
- A26032322
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 A26032322.
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 is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the (o) rate and SMC at the (r)(2) rate, effective January 19, 2025. The decision finds that the Veteran's service-connected conditions warrant these awards due to his need for aid and attendance.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), finding that both conditions are secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lower back condition and sinusitis, respectively.
- Granted
The Veteran's service connection claims for traumatic brain injury and migraine headaches due to right eye removal are granted. The claim for a compensable evaluation of xeroderma of the right eye is remanded.
- Denied
The Board denied an increased initial disability rating for migraine headaches, finding that the Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a 50% rating due to lack of very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.
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