The Veteran's headaches are currently rated at the highest available rating under Diagnostic Code 8100, which is 50 percent. The Veteran does not meet criteria for a higher evaluation.,The Veteran’s recurrent left hip subluxation is currently rated as 30 percent due to malunion of the femur with slight knee or hip disability. The Veteran does not meet criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative disc disease is currently rated at 20 percent, which reflects forward flexion greater than 30 degrees but less than 60 degrees and combined range of motion not greater than 120 degrees. The Veteran does not meet criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran’s radiculopathy of the left lower extremity (sciatic nerve) is currently rated at 20 percent, which reflects moderate incomplete paralysis. The Veteran does not meet criteria for a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's conditions do not warrant an increased evaluation as they are already assigned the highest available ratings under their respective diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- headaches, recurrent left hip subluxation, lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity (sciatic nerve)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- January 16, 2020
- Citation
- 20004129
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for headaches and increased ratings for left shoulder rotator cuff tear, right shoulder rotator cuff tear, hypertension, and left and right leg restless leg syndrome. The Board denied a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for an increased initial disability evaluation of headaches due to an inadequate VA examination.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for multiple disabilities, including cervical spine and thoracolumbar spine disabilities, radiculopathies, a bladder disability, headaches, a left knee disability, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and bilateral conjunctivitis. The Board also granted entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability.
- Dismissed
The appeals for restoration of ratings and for a higher disability rating were dismissed as the April 2025 rating decision did not make final decisions on these issues.
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