The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection and increased ratings, finding that it was not factually ascertainable prior to January 4, 2023, that his conditions began during active service or worsened to a level warranting an increase in evaluation.

The deciding factor: The Board concluded that the evidence did not support earlier effective dates for the Veteran's claims as there was no factual basis to establish that his conditions had begun prior to January 4, 2023, and thus the most appropriate date of entitlement is January 4, 2023.

Claimed conditions

left lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve), right lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve), chronic lumbar strain, left ankle strain status post fracture, right ankle strain, left shoulder strain, right shoulder strain

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

January 30, 2025

Citation

A25008565

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