The Board granted service connection for radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities, but denied increased ratings for COPD, chronic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, lumbosacral strain, migraine with chronic headaches, and residuals of a right ankle fracture. The Veteran was granted TDIU from January 12, 2022.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the evidence did not support higher ratings for COPD, rhinitis, sinusitis, lumbosacral strain, migraine with chronic headaches, and residuals of a right ankle fracture. However, it was determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities caused his radiculopathy, thus granting service connection on a secondary basis.
- Claimed conditions
- Radiculopathy of the left lower extremity based upon impairment of the femoral nerve, Radiculopathy of the right lower extremity based upon impairment of the femoral nerve, Radiculopathy of the left lower extremity based upon impairment of the sciatic nerve, Radiculopathy of the right lower extremity based upon impairment of the sciatic nerve, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Chronic rhinitis, Chronic sinusitis, Lumbosacral strain, Migraine with chronic headaches, Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Residuals of a right ankle fracture
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 3, 2025
- Citation
- A25085595
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