The Veteran's initial rating for varicocele left is denied as it does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.,An increased compensable rating for surgical scars s/p gonadal vein emobilization, left testicle, secondary to service-connected varicocele left, is also denied. The Veteran’s current 10% rating adequately addresses his symptoms.,The claim for service connection for atopic dermatitis has been reopened due to the submission of new evidence.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's varicocele does not result in persistent edema, incompletely relieved by elevation of extremity, with or without beginning stasis pigmentation or eczema. The current rating is based on a 10% evaluation under Diagnostic Code 7120.,There is no evidence that the surgical scars are unstable or painful. The Veteran's pain in the area of his surgery is compensated by the current 10% rating for varicocele left.,The submitted private medical records show a diagnosis of atopic dermatitis, which raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.
- Claimed conditions
- Varicocele left, Atopic dermatitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 9, 2020
- Citation
- 20002179
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
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 claims for increased ratings for PTSD, atopic dermatitis, and recurrent ingrown toenails due to the Veteran's absence from scheduled VA examinations.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 70 percent rating for PTSD effective March 30, 1998, and dismissed the appeal for an increased initial rating for atopic dermatitis.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for atopic dermatitis to obtain additional information regarding the use of systemic therapy during the period on appeal.
- Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for several conditions, including PTSD, bilateral pes planus with left plantar calcaneal spur, atopic dermatitis, and left hip trochanteric bursitis. However, the Board granted service connection for asthma due to presumed exposure during Gulf War service.
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