The Veteran's varicose veins of the right and left lower extremities, as well as his right Achilles' tendonitis (right ankle disorder), have been granted initial disability ratings. The Veteran's right foot pain status post metatarsal stress fracture has not resulted in an increased rating.
The deciding factor: The evidence demonstrated persistent edema and symptoms such as constant pain and swelling that were relieved by elevation of the extremities, warranting a 20 percent rating for each lower extremity prior to June 8, 2022. From June 8, 2022, the Veteran's right foot pain status post metatarsal stress fracture did not meet the criteria for an increased disability rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Varicose veins of the right lower extremity, Varicose veins of the left lower extremity, Right Achilles' tendonitis (right ankle disorder)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- January 4, 2023
- Citation
- 23000544
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 23000544.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 The Board also dismissed the claim for a left shoulder disability, as it was withdrawn by the Veteran during his August 2022 hearing.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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's request for a restoration of the 40 percent disability rating for his service-connected varicose veins of the left lower extremity is granted. The issue of entitlement to a higher rating for this condition is remanded due to lack of proper procedural steps in reducing the rating.
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