The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for varicose veins, finding that there is no evidence linking his current condition to his military service or a service-connected disability.
The deciding factor: There was no probative medical evidence showing a direct link between the Veteran's in-service injury and his current varicose veins, nor did any medical opinion support a secondary service connection based on aggravation of a pre-existing condition by his service-connected left ankle disability.
- Claimed conditions
- varicose veins
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 20, 2020
- Citation
- 20035278
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 20035278.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's service connection claims for coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis, peripheral vascular disease, varicose veins, and irritable bowel syndrome are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding secondary service connection.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to inextricably intertwined issues of service connection for chronic venous insufficiency and an increased rating for varicose veins. The AOJ must adjudicate both claims, request an addendum opinion from a VA examiner, and readjudicate the issue in light of all evidence.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to errors in duty to assist and insufficient examination, as well as new evidence from the PACT Act. The Veteran's current DVT may be related to a motor vehicle accident during service, and there is no direct evidence of its cause. A VA examination will be conducted to address these issues.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a failure to provide a VA examination in connection with the service connection claim for varicose veins. The Veteran is presumed to have been exposed to toxic exposure risk activity during his Gulf War service, and there may be a nexus between his varicose veins and this exposure.
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