The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for a lumbosacral disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy.
The deciding factor: The January 2015 rating decision became final when the Veteran did not appeal or submit evidence within one year. The effective date is based on the receipt of the October 27, 2021, Supplemental claim.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative arthritis with degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) and lumbosacral strain, Left lower extremity radiculopathy sciatic nerve, Right lower extremity radiculopathy sciatic nerve
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 28, 2024
- Citation
- A24069079
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 an acquired psychiatric disorder and hypertension, but remanded several other claims related to the low back and various peripheral nerves.
- Granted
The Board granted earlier effective dates for the award of service connection for degenerative disc disease, left lower extremity radiculopathy sciatic nerve, and right lower extremity radiculopathy sciatic nerve.
- 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.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.