The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of various service-connected conditions were denied by the Board. The cardiovascular-renal disease with hypertension was not rated higher than 30 percent prior to January 12, 1998 and from January 12, 1998 onwards it was rated as no more than Class II consistent with 4 to 5 METs and left ventricular dysfunction. The hiatal hernia was rated as noncompensable before August 1, 2000 and compensable after that date. The right ear otitis externa was not rated higher than noncompensable. Conjunctivitis was inactive and hemorrhoids were not rated higher than noncompensable. The residuals of a fracture of the right fifth metacarpal (Major) were healed and without any objectively demonstrated functional loss.
The deciding factor: The veteran's service-connected conditions did not meet the criteria for increased evaluations as per the revised rating criteria and medical evidence provided by VA.
- Claimed conditions
- Cardiovascular-renal disease with hypertension, Hiatal hernia, Bilateral conjunctivitis, Hemorrhoids, External otitis (right ear)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 23, 2002
- Citation
- 0212792
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 0212792.
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: Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased evaluation of his hemorrhoids, so the case is dismissed.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied a compensable rating for the Veteran's GERD with hiatal hernia and dysphagia, finding that there was no documented history of esophageal stricture requiring daily medications to control dysphagia.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for her service-connected hemorrhoids was denied as the evidence did not show large or thrombotic, irreducible hemorrhoids with excessive redundant tissue, evidencing frequent recurrence.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran is granted higher levels of SMC and aid and attendance special monthly compensation effective May 3, 2024, due to his service-connected conditions that require regular aid and assistance.
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