The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for macrocytic anemia and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity were denied as there was no evidence showing hemoglobin levels below 10 grams per deciliter or more than mild symptoms.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations did not show hemoglobin levels below 10 grams per deciliter, which is required for a higher rating under DC 7700. For radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, no evidence showed moderate to severe symptoms as required by DC 8520.
- Claimed conditions
- macrocytic anemia, r radiculopathy of the left lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- November 23, 2021
- Citation
- 21070129
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 21070129.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has granted earlier effective dates of December 19, 2016 for service connection of radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings and special monthly compensation were dismissed due to his death. The Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of these claims as he died during their pendency.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to care for his daily needs without requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person, leading to a grant of special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, as well as his claim for TDIU, are being remanded due to inadequate examination reports and incomplete records.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.