The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for post-operative residuals of left epididymectomy (previously claimed as epididymitis) was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show complete atrophy or recurrent symptomatic infections requiring drainage/frequent hospitalization, and thus a rating in excess of 10 percent is not warranted under DCs 7523 or 7525. SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ was granted.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show complete atrophy or recurrent symptomatic infections requiring drainage/frequent hospitalization, which are necessary for higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- epididymitis, left epididymectomy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- May 4, 2023
- Citation
- 23025835
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 23025835.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's epididymitis was incurred during service and granted service connection for this condition.
- Granted
The Veteran's effective date for a 40 percent disability rating for service-connected epididymitis, status post right hemiscrotal exploration, is granted as of June 21, 2019.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for SMC(k) based on loss of use of creative organ is granted effective June 1, 2016. The claim for additional SMC(k) benefits is denied as the Veteran is already in receipt of SMC(k).
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for an effective date prior to December 7, 2015, for the award of service connection for varicocele and epididymitis has been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal request.
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