The Board granted an effective date of July 29, 2022, and no earlier for the grant of a 20 percent disability rating for degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral spine and intervertebral disc syndrome, as well as service connection for radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities.

The deciding factor: The increase in disability was shown to have occurred on or before July 29, 2022, which is within one year of the receipt of a VA Form 21-0966 (Intent to File) and a subsequent timely submission of a VA Form 21-526EZ (Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits).

Claimed conditions

Degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral spine and intervertebral disc syndrome, Radiculopathy of the right lower extremity sciatic nerve, Radiculopathy of the left lower extremity sciatic nerve, Chronic sinusitis, Degenerative changes of the right knee

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

October 28, 2025

Citation

A25093467

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