The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for chronic headaches, right and left upper extremity radiculopathies, and degenerative lumbar disc disease L4-L5 with thoracolumbar stenosis noted at L5-S1 are denied.,For the period prior to October 5, 2017, a rating in excess of 10 percent for chronic headaches is not warranted. The Veteran's reported history and medical evidence do not support an increased rating.,From October 5, 2017 onwards, ratings in excess of 30 percent for right upper extremity radiculopathy are not warranted due to the lack of very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability. The Veteran's symptoms have been mild or moderate.,For the period prior to October 5, 2017, ratings in excess of 0 percent for left upper extremity radiculopathy are not warranted due to the lack of very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability. The Veteran's symptoms have been mild or moderate.,For the period prior to October 5, 2017, ratings in excess of 20 percent for degenerative lumbar disc disease L4-L5 with thoracolumbar stenosis noted at L5-S1 are not warranted due to the lack of severe incomplete paralysis. The Veteran's symptoms have been mild or moderate.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support an increased rating for any of the conditions on appeal, as the Veteran's reported history and medical findings do not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic Headaches, Right Upper Extremity Radiculopathy, Left Upper Extremity Radiculopathy, Degenerative Lumbar Disc Disease L4-L5 with Thoracolumbar Stenosis noted at L5-S1
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 13, 2022
- Citation
- 22028442
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 22028442.
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is likely due to his service-connected lumbar spine and radiculopathy conditions, with tramadol use possibly causing the condition by October 25, 2012. The effective date for ED will be remanded.,Due to the inextricably intertwined nature of the issues, including the need to determine if tramadol caused ED prior to August 30, 2013, the SMC issue is also remanded.
- Denied
The Board denied a rating in excess of 30 percent for the Veteran's left upper extremity radiculopathy, finding that the evidence did not show severe incomplete paralysis.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's service connection claims for erectile dysfunction and voiding dysfunction have been denied due to the lack of evidence linking these conditions to his in-service exposure.,The remaining service connection claims (for bilateral feet, ankles, hip, wrist, cervical spine, upper extremity radiculopathy, psychiatric disorder, GERD, sleep apnea, and hypertension) are remanded for further development.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for chronic headaches is remanded due to the need for a new medical examination to assess the frequency and severity of his headaches, including without medication.
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