The Board found that the veteran's right inguinal hernia does not meet the criteria for a higher rating, as it is post-operative and symptomatic but not recurrent or well-supported by a truss. The current 10 percent disability rating remains in effect.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner assessed that the veteran's hernia was not palpable but symptomatic of pain and tenderness, which does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under Diagnostic Code 7338.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Inguinal Hernia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- February 3, 2006
- Citation
- 0603142
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 increased rating for PTSD, a compensable rating for right inguinal hernia, and an earlier effective date for service connection of the hernia. The claim for service connection for gastrointestinal problems was remanded.
- Partly granted
The Board denied higher initial ratings for erectile dysfunction, right inguinal hernia, and scar -anterior trunk, abdomen (s/p right inguinal hernia repair), but granted a 10 percent rating for paresthesia -inferior maxillary fifth cranial nerve (now claimed as bruxism).
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations and consideration of all relevant evidence.
- Denied
The Board has denied the veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for his right inguinal hernia, finding that there is no current evidence of a hernia.
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