The Board denied earlier effective dates for service connection and denied increased ratings, but granted service connection with an effective date of January 16, 2018, and a TDIU beginning April 18, 2017.

The deciding factor: The decision was based on the evidence showing that the Veteran's claims were not timely filed or supported by new and material evidence within one year of the initial denial in 1973, except for the granted service connection with an effective date of January 16, 2018.

Claimed conditions

lumbosacral strain, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), chronic orchialgia, left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, major depressive disorder with alcoholism and substance abuse (major depressive disorder)

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

December 23, 2025

Citation

A25110415

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