The veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and higher ratings were mostly denied, but a rating of 90 percent for residuals of a right total hip replacement and special monthly compensation (SMC) under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(l) were granted.

The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran's claims for service connection for radiculopathy as secondary to DDD of the lumbar spine were received on July 17, 2021, and entitlement arose on March 11, 2021.

Claimed conditions

radiculopathy of the right lower extremity associated with degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity associated with DDD of the lumbar spine, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), residuals of a right total hip replacement, left hip osteoarthritis with limitation of adduction, left hip osteoarthritis with limitation of flexion, left hip osteoarthritis with limitation of extension, left flatfoot, residuals of an injury to the left thigh/leg and muscle groups XV, XVI and XVII, right hip surgical scar

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

January 14, 2025

Citation

A25003034

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