The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his varicose vein disability of the right leg, finding that it did not meet or more closely approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation under either the pre-amendment or amended VA regulations.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed intermittent edema and achiness in the right leg but no persistent edema, ulcerations, or stasis dermatitis as required for higher ratings. The veteran's varicose veins were found to be of a moderate severity with involvement limited to the lower extremity.
- Claimed conditions
- Varicose veins
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 16, 2002
- Citation
- 0212139
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0212139.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeal for a compensable rating for hypertension and granted service connection for varicose veins on a secondary basis to hypertension.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's limitations in performing activities of daily living are consistent with being unable to sustain himself in the community, warranting Tier 2 benefits under the PCAFC program.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's right ankle disability and denied service connection for varicose veins secondary to her right ankle disability.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The appeal was dismissed due to the death of the Appellant during its pendency.
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