The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy, left upper extremity lower radicular group radiculopathy, and right upper extremity upper radicular group radiculopathy.

The deciding factor: The law is clear that for an original claim, the effective date will be on the date of receipt of the claim or the date entitlement arose, whichever is later. In this case, VA considered the complete claim filed as of the date the intent to file a claim was received, and thus the earliest possible effective date is June 5, 2023.

Claimed conditions

left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy, left upper extremity lower radicular group radiculopathy, right upper extremity upper radicular group radiculopathy

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

October 28, 2025

Citation

A25093249

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