The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, femoral nerve are denied as the earliest evidence indicating these conditions is from August 21, 2020.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for various conditions, including allergic rhinitis, sleep apnea, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, lower extremity radiculopathies, and left lower extremity radiculopathy with foot drop. The issues include determining if these conditions are related to service or other factors.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy are remanded due to a duty to assist error. A new examination is needed to evaluate the nature and severity of his symptoms.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for his service-connected back disability, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathies, and hypertension was denied. The rating for IVDS with bilateral facet arthropathy thoracolumbar spondylosis is not met as the evidence did not show forward flexion to 60 degrees or less, combined range of motion of 120 degrees or less, muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or spinal contour, or ankylosis (or its functional equivalent).,The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected right and left lower extremity radiculopathies were not met as the evidence did not show at least moderate incomplete paralysis of the femoral nerve or sciatic nerve. The rating for hypertension was also denied.

The Veteran's disability ratings for lumbosacral strain, left lower extremity radiculopathy (femoral and sciatic nerves), cervical strain, and bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy have been restored. Effective April 2, 2023, the Veteran is granted a 40 percent rating for lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease.