The Veteran's claims of increased disability ratings for right leg deep vein thrombosis, lumbar spine degenerative joint and disc disease, and bronchitis with pulmonary vascular disease are being remanded due to the failure to comply with prior Board directives.
The deciding factor: The RO failed to schedule VA examinations as directed in the June 2016 Board remand, preventing a determination on whether higher disability ratings are warranted for any part of the appeal period.
- Claimed conditions
- Right leg deep vein thrombosis, Lumbar spine degenerative joint and disc disease, Bronchitis with pulmonary vascular disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- March 26, 2020
- Citation
- 20021703
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 20021703.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for right leg deep vein thrombosis, finding that his condition most closely manifested as intermittent edema and aching in the leg after prolonged standing or walking, which is rated at 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 7121.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) and Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) from November 30, 2021.
- Dismissed
The appeal for service connection for loss of use of both legs is dismissed.,Eligibility for financial assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing is granted.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and left hand radiculopathy are related to his service as a Naval Aviator. The lumbar spine disorder is not shown during service or within one year of separation, but is considered a natural progression of biomechanical injuries incurred in service.
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