The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than December 10, 2014, for the grant of service connection for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity was denied. The Veteran also had his initial rating for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity increased to 20 percent and a TDIU granted.
The deciding factor: The effective date for the award of service connection for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity is not earlier than December 10, 2014, as it was when the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his low back disability was received. The initial rating for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity remains at 20 percent and a TDIU is granted.
- Claimed conditions
- radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, low back disability, left knee meniscus injury with hyperextension, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), adjustment disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 18, 2019
- Citation
- 19172616
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 19172616.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
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The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his alleged stressors.
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The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, migraine headaches, and PTSD due to additional development of records and examination.
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