The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected residuals of subtotal gastrectomy for duodenal ulcer do not warrant an evaluation in excess of 40 percent, and his service-connected ventral hernia does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.
The deciding factor: The VA examination revealed moderate symptoms with episodes of epigastric disorder less frequent than severe disability. The veteran's weight was stable at around 132 to 134 pounds, but he experienced significant fluctuations when eating more meals per day. The small ventral hernia did not cause any functional impairment or need for a belt.
- Claimed conditions
- residuals of subtotal gastrectomy for duodenal ulcer, ventral hernia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- September 2, 2003
- Citation
- 0322355
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 0322355.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for inguinal hernia, ventral hernia, and right chipped ankle pain due to predecisional duty-to-assist errors.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for further development, including obtaining outstanding private medical records.
- 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.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for multiple conditions, including radical cystectomy residuals with colonic pouch, ventral hernia, hypertension, and others, as the evidence did not corroborate the Veteran's reported exposure to Agent Orange or asbestos during service.
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