The Veteran's varicose veins of the left leg cause persistent edema that is completely relieved by elevation, incipient stasis pigmentation, aching and fatigue in the affected extremity. The right leg varicose veins cause intermittent edema, incipient stasis pigmentation, aching and fatigue.,The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations are denied as his disability picture does not meet the criteria for higher ratings under Diagnostic Code 7120.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not show persistent ulceration in either leg, which is required for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7120.
- Claimed conditions
- Varicose veins of the left leg, Varicose veins of the right leg
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 14, 2012
- Citation
- 1242819
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 1242819.
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 TDIU claim is granted for the period beginning May 1, 2020, as he has a combined disability rating of 100% due to service-connected disabilities and was unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for a referral to the Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities including varicose veins and Major Depressive Disorder, which may render him unemployable.
- Denied
The Veteran's varicose veins of the left leg are currently rated at 40 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the symptoms described. The claim for an extraschedular rating was also denied as the criteria reasonably describe the Veteran's disability level.
- Granted
The Veteran's varicose veins of the left leg have been granted a disability rating of 40 percent effective November 12, 2019.
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.