The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a chronic right ankle disability, an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for his heart disability, and an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for his umbilical hernia. The appeals were based on direct service connection.
The deciding factor: There was insufficient clinical evidence to support the diagnosis of a chronic right ankle disability. The veteran's heart condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA regulations, and the umbilical hernia did not warrant a 40 percent evaluation as it was small and well-supported by ordinary conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic right ankle disability, heart disability with hypertension, umbilical hernia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 23, 2001
- Citation
- 0101737
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 0101737.
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 the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for loss of teeth and service connection for an umbilical hernia.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for hernia, other than hiatal, specifically ventral, inguinal, and umbilical hernias, finding that the Veteran's obesity, caused by his service-connected disabilities, was a substantial factor in causing these hernias.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for ventral hernia and umbilical hernia based on the evidence showing that the Veteran's current disability is related to his active military service.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, vertigo, and various other conditions as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to the Veteran's active duty.
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.