The Veteran's varicose veins in the right lower extremity were not shown to have been manifested by persistent edema and stasis pigmentation or eczema, with or without intermittent ulceration prior to November 21, 2019. From that date, they were not shown to have been manifested by persistent edema and stasis pigmentation or eczema.,The Veteran's thoracolumbar degenerative joint disease was not shown to have been manifested by forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine limited to 30 degrees or less; ankylosis; or incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome having a total duration of at least six weeks during a 12-month period prior to November 21, 2019. From that date, they were not shown to have been manifested by ankylosis or incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome having a total duration of at least six weeks during a 12-month period.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's varicose veins and back disability did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable VA rating schedule.
- Claimed conditions
- Varicose veins of the right lower extremity, Thoracolumbar degenerative joint disease (back disability)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 19, 2021
- Citation
- 21022797
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 21022797.
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: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for initial compensable evaluations for right knee scars and residuals of right knee injury post-operative arthroscopy, extension have been dismissed. The appeal for an increased rating for PTSD has also been dismissed.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for varicose veins of both lower extremities, finding no evidence to support a nexus between these conditions and active service or any service-connected disability.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claims for service connection for varicose veins of the right and left lower extremities have been granted. The Board also dismissed the claim for a left shoulder disability, as it was withdrawn by the Veteran during his August 2022 hearing. The neck disability and radiculopathy of the right upper extremity secondary to the neck disability are remanded.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the claims for varicose veins of all extremities due to inadequate examination and consideration of the Veteran's arguments.
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