The Board found that the VA bilateral varicose vein stripping and ligation in 1950 did not cause or play a significant factor in the veteran's bilateral below-the-knee amputations, which were more likely due to nonservice-connected diabetes.
The deciding factor: The expert medical opinion concluded that it was at least as likely as not that the bilateral varicose vein ligation and stripping surgery performed in 1950 did not cause or play a significant factor in the etiological or pathological condition resulting in the veteran's bilateral below-the-knee amputations.
- Claimed conditions
- Varicose veins, Thrombophlebitis, Stasis ulcer, Diabetes mellitus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 17, 2002
- Citation
- 0203523
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 0203523.
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
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