The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected right leg varicose veins and superficial phlebitis, as well as left leg varicose veins, were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show persistent edema or stasis pigmentation in either leg to warrant higher ratings.
The deciding factor: The medical findings did not demonstrate persistent edema or stasis pigmentation in either of the Veteran's legs, which are required for a higher evaluation under Diagnostic Code 7120.
- Claimed conditions
- Right leg varicose veins and superficial phlebitis, Left leg varicose veins
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 10, 2009
- Citation
- 0942819
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 0942819.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected conditions leave her in need of regular aid and attendance, which is granted for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance.
- Denied
The Board denied higher initial ratings for migraine headaches, hypertension, and bilateral leg varicose veins, but remanded a claim for service connection of a mental health disorder as secondary to migraines.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, hypertension, and a neck disability. The remaining issues of service connection for right ankle, left ankle, left knee, right knee, rib, left leg varicose veins, and right leg varicose veins are remanded for further development.
- Granted
The Veteran's right and left leg varicose veins are rated at 20 percent each, which is the maximum rating allowed under VA regulations.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
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.