The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for varicose veins of the left leg was denied, and his TDIU claim due to service-connected varicose veins was remanded. The Board found that there were no persistent edema or stasis pigmentation/eczema in the left leg at any point during the appeal period.
The deciding factor: The Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as his symptoms, including pain and swelling, were relieved by elevation of the extremity and compression hosiery. There was no persistent edema or stasis pigmentation/eczema in the left leg at any point during the appeal period.
- Claimed conditions
- Varicose veins of the left leg
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 30, 2020
- Citation
- 20043960
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 20043960.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a herniated left leg muscle and for separate evaluations under Diagnostic Codes 5268 and 5269 (right knee). The Veteran was granted entitlement to total disability due to individual unemployability.
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