The Veteran's claims for service connection were granted with effective dates of October 12, 2016. The initial ratings assigned are 20% for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy.,Effective dates earlier than October 12, 2016 for the grant of service connection for sacralization L5, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and migraines were denied.
The deciding factor: The effective dates for the grants of service connection are based on the date of receipt of the claims by VA.
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"Sacralization L5 (claimed as a back condition)","condition_code":"801"}, {"condition_name":"Right Lower Extremity Radiculopathy","condition_code":"8720"}, {"condition_name":"Left Lower Extremity Radiculopathy","condition_code":"8720"}, {"condition_name":"Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)","condition_code":"7346"}, {"condition_name":"Migraines (claimed as headaches)","condition_code":"8100"}
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- January 24, 2020
- Citation
- 20005170
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.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for myasthenia gravis based on the Veteran's exposure to hazardous substances during his military service.
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.