The Veteran's increased ratings for neck strain, back strain, and left upper extremity radiculopathy disabilities were granted effective January 29, 2025. He also received service connection for right upper and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities with the same effective date.
The deciding factor: The Veteran submitted a VA Form 21-526EZ seeking increased ratings for his neck strain, back strain, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and new service connection claims for right upper and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy. He participated in VA examinations that confirmed the presence of these conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- neck strain, back strain, left upper extremity radiculopathy, right upper extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy (femoral nerve), left lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve), right lower extremity radiculopathy (femoral nerve), right lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- January 8, 2026
- Citation
- A26002084
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 A26002084.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to inadequate VA examinations and a pre-decisional duty to assist error. Additional development is needed for service connection of carpal tunnel syndrome, increased ratings for lower extremity radiculopathies, and obtaining a VA TERA opinion.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine degenerative arthritis. The claims for back pain and right upper extremity radiculopathy are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's TDIU and DEA claims are remanded due to insufficient evidence for a schedular rating, and the issues are inextricably intertwined.
- Dismissed
The appeal seeking to establish entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) is dismissed because the AOJ decision was merely implementing a Board's earlier effective date decision for service connection.
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