The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for stasis ulcer of the right lower extremity and left hip replacement, both claimed as secondary to his service-connected disability of status post total right knee arthoplasty. The decision is based on medical evidence that does not support a causal relationship between these conditions and his service-connected right knee condition.
The deciding factor: The VA medical addenda found the Veteran's stasis ulcers and left hip replacement were less likely as not related to or aggravated by his right knee conditions, linking poor circulation to other factors such as obesity, hypertension, and high cholesterol rather than his knee surgeries.
- Claimed conditions
- stasis ulcer of the right lower extremity, left hip replacement
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 19, 2021
- Citation
- 21022791
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 21022791.
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: Denied
The Veteran's claims for effective dates earlier than October 26, 2014, for service connection and TDIU were denied.,The Veteran's claim for DEA benefits was also denied.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that additional medical opinions are needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection related to his bilateral hips, lumbar disability, and lower extremity radiculopathy. The appeals are being remanded.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran requires regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, including ischemic heart disease, left hip replacement, and PTSD. The decision grants special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and maintaining all forms of substantially gainful employment during the rating period prior to June 22, 2020. However, as he is now receiving a combined 100% rating for his service-connected disabilities effective June 22, 2020, entitlement to TDIU for this period is denied.
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