Denied
The Board denied earlier effective dates and higher initial ratings for the service-connected conditions of degenerative disc disease, sciatic nerve radiculopathy in both lower extremities, and remanded a claim for total disability rating based on individual unemployability.
The deciding factor: The March 2017 rating decision that initially denied service connection became final, and no new evidence was submitted prior to the July 29, 2022 claims. The current ratings are appropriate given the severity of the conditions as documented in the record.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) other than intervertebral disc symptoms in the lumbar spine, Sciatic nerve radiculopathy in the right lower extremity, Sciatic nerve radiculopathy in the left lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 23, 2025
- Citation
- A25091867
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