The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The initial rating for varicose veins in the left lower extremity prior to December 9, 2010 was not granted as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. Since December 9, 2010, he is rated at 40 percent and no further increase is warranted. Service connection was denied for lumbar spine disorder, cervical spine disorder, right hand disorder, left hand disorder, nerve disorders to upper extremities, and eye disorder.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under DC 7120 (varicose veins) prior to December 9, 2010. Since then, his condition has been rated at 40 percent based on persistent pain and edema. Service connection was denied as there is no evidence of a lumbar spine disorder or cervical spine disorder in service or for many years after service. The right hand and left hand disorders were not shown to be related to service-connected disabilities. Eye disorder was also not shown.
- Claimed conditions
- varicose veins in the left lower extremity, lumbar spine disorder, cervical spine disorder, right hand disorder, left hand disorder, nerve disorder to right upper extremity, nerve disorder to left upper extremity, nerve disorder to right lower extremity, eye disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- June 26, 2012
- Citation
- 1222253
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1222253.
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: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disorder, finding that the Veteran's current condition is at least as likely as not related to his active military service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various hip and lower extremity disorders, including as secondary to a lumbar spine disorder. The case is being returned to the AOJ for further action.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to errors in obtaining relevant medical records and authorization for private treatment providers. The issues include heart disorder, OSA, sinusitis, lumbar spine disorder, and right knee disorder all related to Agent Orange exposure.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's request to readjudicate his claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and obstructive sleep apnea, but denied his claim for right knee disorder. The Board also remanded the cases of left leg disorder and lumbar spine disorder.
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