The veteran's claim for a higher rating for postoperative residuals of bilateral inguinal hernias was denied. His claim for service connection for chronic lung disorder (COPD) was also denied, as there is no evidence that his COPD is related to nicotine addiction acquired in service or exposure to asbestos while on active duty.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found no evidence of nicotine dependence during service and noted the veteran's history of smoking since service but not during service. The COPD was diagnosed many years after service, and there is no medical evidence linking it to service.
- Claimed conditions
- postoperative residuals of bilateral inguinal hernias, chronic lung disorder (COPD)
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- June 18, 2001
- Citation
- 0116473
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0116473.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disorder and lung disorder, as well as his claim for an increased rating for lumbar fibromyositis. The VA medical opinions provided no evidence of a chronic skin or lung disorder related to military service.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has determined that the veteran is not entitled to a compensable rating for postoperative residuals of bilateral inguinal hernia repair.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and providing proper notice regarding secondary service connection.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The appeal is granted as his PTSD is now considered service-connected.
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