The Board denied more than a 10 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected right and left lower extremity varicose veins, as well as higher initial ratings for his lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, intervertebral disc syndrome, herniated disc, right and left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy, and denied service connection for a neck disability.
The deciding factor: The Board found the evidence did not support a finding of persistent edema or other symptoms required for higher ratings under the applicable criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- right lower extremity varicose veins, left lower extremity varicose veins, lumbar spine degenerative disc disease (DDD), intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), herniated disc (low back disability), right lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy, left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy, neck disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 10, 2025
- Citation
- A25033558
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.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for multiple conditions, including bilateral hearing loss and various musculoskeletal issues, as well as an initial rating in excess of 0 percent for rhinitis. However, the Board granted a 70 percent rating for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for various disabilities to the AOJ for further development and consideration of evidence not previously considered.
- Partly granted
The Board denied a disability rating greater than 10 percent for tinnitus and a rating greater than 20 percent for lumbosacral strain, but granted a 20 percent rating for left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy and right lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy.
- Dismissed
The appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's death, as an appellant's claim does not survive their death.
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