The Veteran's service-connected post-phlebitic syndrome of the left leg has been rated at 40 percent, but no greater. The Board found that he meets the criteria for a 40 percent disability rating under Diagnostic Code 7121 due to persistent edema and stasis pigmentation in his left lower extremity. However, there is no evidence of ulcerations or massive board-like edema with constant pain at rest associated with his condition. The issue of entitlement to TDIU has been remanded for further review.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's post-phlebitic syndrome of the left leg meets the criteria for a 40 percent disability rating under Diagnostic Code 7121, but not for a higher rating due to lack of evidence of ulcerations or massive board-like edema with constant pain at rest.
- Claimed conditions
- post-phlebitic syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- July 21, 2023
- Citation
- 23040101
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 23040101.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew her appeal, and the Board has dismissed it.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for post-phlebitic syndrome, finding that the condition is related to a right ankle injury sustained during service and resulting in chronic lower extremity swelling and pain.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for post-phlebitic syndrome, left and right lower extremities due to a duty-to-assist error in the prior rating decision. The VA examination was inadequate as it did not consider the Veteran's lay statements of symptoms and the prescription for special compression appliances.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for post-phlebitic syndrome, secondary to the Veteran's service-connected hypertension.
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