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Whole decision: Denied

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right lower extremity cellulitis with superficial phlebitis, left lower extremity cellulitis with superficial phlebitis, COPD, and lumbar spine degenerative disc disease.

The deciding factor: The evidence did not show persistent edema or subcutaneous induration in the Veteran's legs that was incompletely relieved by elevation of the extremities. The symptoms were consistent with intermittent edema and aching and fatigue after prolonged standing or walking, which were relieved by elevation and compression hosiery.

Claimed conditions
Right lower extremity cellulitis with superficial phlebitis, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Lumbar spine degenerative disc disease
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating
Not verified here — check the original decision
Decision date
March 17, 2016
Citation
1610928

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 1610928.

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.

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