The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased rating of his left inguinal hernia and ilioinguinal neuralgia, as well as service connection for PTSD. The Board found that there was no recurrence of the hernia or symptoms from it, and thus did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating. For PTSD, the Board concluded that the preponderance of medical evidence does not reflect a diagnosis in accordance with VA's regulations.
The deciding factor: The veteran's service-connected PTSD claim was denied because there is no credible supporting evidence that the claimed in-service stressor occurred and/or that the current symptoms are related to the in-service stressor. The Board found that the diagnoses of PTSD were based on the veteran's self-report rather than clinical observations.
- Claimed conditions
- left inguinal hernia, ilioinguinal neuralgia, PTSD
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- August 29, 2005
- Citation
- 0523735
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 0523735.
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.
- Granted
The Board of Veterans' Appeals has granted service connection for PTSD and Mood Disorders, both presumed conditions under the PACT Act.
- Partly granted
The Board has not made a final determination on the claims of service connection for inguinal hernia, PTSD, joint pain, fibromyalgia, left knee disability, right knee disability, tinnitus, chronic fatigue syndrome, respiratory disability, sleep disorder, IBS, and headaches. The claims are remanded to obtain additional evidence and determine if these conditions are related to service.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD was granted with an initial evaluation of 50 percent, effective September 24, 2007. The appeal regarding the heart condition and sleep disorder is denied. The Veteran's hearing loss prior to August 24, 2015, warrants a 20 percent rating.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found that the Veteran meets the basic medical eligibility criteria for PCAFC benefits due to his need for personal care services based on symptoms or residuals of neurological or other impairment or injury. However, further clinical evaluation is needed to determine if participation in the program is in the Veteran's best interest.
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