The Board granted an effective date of August 24, 2009, for the award of service connection for degenerative disc disease, lumbosacral spine, left lower extremity mild sciatic radiculopathy, and right lower extremity mild sciatic radiculopathy. An earlier effective date was denied for the scar associated with degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine.

The deciding factor: The relevant service department records received in February 2014 formed the basis of the December 2018 grant, allowing an earlier effective date as per 38 C.F.R. § 3.156(c)(3).

Claimed conditions

Degenerative disc disease, lumbosacral spine, Left lower extremity mild sciatic radiculopathy, Right lower extremity mild sciatic radiculopathy, Scar associated with degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine

How they argued it

Reopened with new and material evidence

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

100%

Decision date

February 26, 2025

Citation

A25017745

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