The Board denied an earlier effective date for a 70 percent rating for generalized anxiety disorder, finding it not factually ascertainable that the condition manifested with occupational and social impairment in most areas prior to October 7, 2024.,The Board also denied entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for IVDS with bilateral facet arthropathy (back), as there was no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes during the appeal period.,For left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, the Board denied entitlement to initial ratings in excess of 10 percent, noting that the Veteran did not meet criteria for higher ratings based on incomplete paralysis severity.

The deciding factor: The effective date claim was denied because it is not factually ascertainable that generalized anxiety disorder manifested with occupational and social impairment in most areas prior to October 7, 2024.,The back disability rating claim was denied as there was no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes during the appeal period.,Radiculopathy ratings were denied due to lack of meeting criteria for higher ratings based on incomplete paralysis severity.

Claimed conditions

Generalized Anxiety Disorder, IVDS with bilateral facet arthropathy (back), Left lower extremity radiculopathy, sciatic nerve, Right lower extremity raduculpopathy, sciatic nerve

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating

Not verified here — check the original decision

Decision date

February 3, 2026

Citation

A26009917

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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation A26009917.