The Board granted earlier effective dates for the grant of service connection for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy (femoral and sciatic nerves) but denied earlier effective dates for upper extremity radiculopathy, cervical strain, DEA benefits, and a higher disability rating for lumbar spine spinal stenosis with intervertebral disc syndrome.

The deciding factor: The Board resolved reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran regarding the intent to file on August 2, 2018, which led to the grant of service connection. However, the earliest effective date under the law for other claims was not met due to lack of evidence or earlier filing.

Claimed conditions

left lower extremity radiculopathy (femoral nerve), right lower extremity radiculopathy (femoral nerve), left lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve), right lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve), cervical strain, bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

February 4, 2025

Citation

A25010114

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