The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for varicose veins of the right lower extremity, finding that the evidence did not show persistent edema or stasis pigmentation, and thus no basis for a higher evaluation.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed intermittent rather than persistent edema in the right leg, which is required for an increased rating under Diagnostic Code 7120. The absence of persistent edema, stasis pigmentation, or other findings such as induration prevented assignment of a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- varicose veins of the right lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- January 12, 2006
- Citation
- 0601014
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the issues of entitlement to a higher disability rating for varicose veins of both lower extremities due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the effects of medication.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for varicose veins of the right lower extremity as the evidence did not show intermittent edema or aching and fatigue in the leg after prolonged standing or walking, with symptoms relieved by elevation of extremity or compression hosiery.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 40 percent disability rating for varicose veins of the left and right lower extremities, effective October 8, 2021.
- Partly granted
The Board granted increased ratings for the Veteran's varicose veins of both lower extremities and a separate rating for her sleep disability, but denied entitlement to TDIU.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.