The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates prior to September 1, 2022 for the ratings of radiculopathy and a painful scar were denied as there was no evidence supporting an earlier date.
The deciding factor: The criteria for entitlement to an earlier effective date prior to September 1, 2022 for the specified conditions have not been met based on the evidence of record.
- Claimed conditions
- radiculopathy, left lower extremity (sciatic), radiculopathy, right lower extremity (sciatic), radiculopathy, left lower extremity (femoral), radiculopathy, right lower extremity (femoral), painful scar mid/lower back status post discectomy of L2/L3
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 10, 2025
- Citation
- A25033675
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities and special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance, pending implementation of an earlier effective date for urge incontinence.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for radiculopathy, as there was no evidence of a current diagnosis of radiculopathy.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for further development of evidence, including obtaining additional VA medical records and private treatment records.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, IVDS, radiculopathy, and bulging disc to obtain a more thorough medical opinion.
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