The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain, lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic and femoral nerves), right knee disability, and cervical spine disorder was granted with effective dates of June 9, 2023.
The deciding factor: The Veteran submitted a claim for increased ratings on June 9, 2023, which led to several rating decisions over the following months. The claims were continuously prosecuted until she submitted a Supplemental Claim in September 2024, and her effective dates were then granted based on the evidence of record.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral strain, right sacroiliac degenerative joint disease, degenerative disc disease, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), left lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve), left lower extremity radiculopathy (femoral nerve), right lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve), right lower extremity radiculopathy (femoral nerve), right knee patella malunion articular fracture with patellofemoral chondromalacia, limitation of extension, right knee instability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- January 22, 2026
- Citation
- A26006109
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 A26006109.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's service connection claims for lumbosacral strain, asthma, melasma and hydradenitis, hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as depression, anxiety, and stress), left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, left knee disorder, a left foot disorder, and IBS have been granted. The remaining issues are remanded.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for right foot disability status post Mitchell's bunionectomy is granted with an effective date of July 25, 2023.,The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for left foot disability status post Mitchell's bunionectomy is dismissed as it does not meet the criteria for an earlier effective date.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition, including degenerative disc disease and scoliosis, due to lack of current disability evidence.
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