The veteran's service-connected hiatal hernia with GERD has been rated as noncompensable since its grant of service connection. The Board finds that the current evidence does not support a higher initial compensable evaluation.,For his bilateral inguinal hernia, status-post surgical repair times three, the veteran is currently assigned a noncompensable rating. The Board notes that the evidence does not meet the criteria for a 10 percent evaluation under Diagnostic Code 7338.
The deciding factor: The veteran's hiatal hernia with GERD has been shown to have occasional symptoms such as abdominal pain and occasional bloody stools, but no clinical evidence of vomiting, material weight loss, hematemesis, melena, pyrosis, or regurgitation. The current noncompensable rating is appropriate given the absence of more severe symptoms.,The veteran's bilateral inguinal hernia has been shown to be well-supported by a truss and not readily reducible. Therefore, it does not meet the criteria for a 10 percent evaluation under Diagnostic Code 7338.
- Claimed conditions
- Hiatal Hernia with GERD, Bilateral Inguinal Hernia, Status-Post Surgical Repair Times Three, Hemorrhoids
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 18, 2007
- Citation
- 0729188
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 0729188.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased evaluation of his hemorrhoids, so the case is dismissed.
- 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.
- 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.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for hemorrhoids and a separate rating of 10 percent for pruritus ani is partially granted. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable code, including revised Diagnostic Code 7336.
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