The Veteran's initial rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy has been granted at a 40 percent level, effective March 23, 2023. The appeal is denied for earlier effective dates and other issues.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the claim was filed prior to July 28, 2022 for IBS or March 23, 2023 for left lower extremity radiculopathy.
- Claimed conditions
- IBS, left lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve), right shoulder disability (also claimed as right shoulder post-traumatic arthritis), right shoulder scars (also claimed as open right shoulder surgery scars with labral repair and partial claviculectomy)
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- January 8, 2026
- Citation
- A26002076
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation A26002076.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as there is no current diagnosis of IBS or symptoms at any time during the pendency of the claim.
- Granted
A 30 percent rating for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is granted, and service connection for hypertension is denied.
- Granted
The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with IVDS and associated radiculopathies of the left and right lower extremities are granted at a 40 percent rating prior to December 27, 2023, and denied for ratings in excess of this level from that date.
- Granted
The Veteran's IBS and obstructive sleep apnea are granted as service connected, with the latter condition likely originating during active service.
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