The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected umbilical hernia and has denied an increased rating for his service-connected spondylolisthesis, L5-S1 with degenerative changes and radiculopathy.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed recurrent incisional hernias requiring multiple surgeries. The VA examiner found no clinical signs of a current umbilical hernia but noted pain related to the mesh from previous surgery. For the spondylolisthesis, while there was some limitation in motion and radiculopathy, there were no incapacitating episodes or additional neurological impairment warranting higher ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- Umbilical Hernia, Spondylolisthesis, L5-S1 with degenerative changes and radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- February 14, 2008
- Citation
- 0805279
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 0805279.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received for the Veteran's claims of service connection for a right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, and umbilical hernia. The claims are being remanded to allow for further development.
- Denied
The Veteran's cervical spine disability, left and right upper extremity radiculopathy, and umbilical hernia were evaluated. The rating for the cervical spine was denied as it did not meet criteria for higher ratings under either General Rating Formula or IVDS Formula. Ratings for the left and right upper extremities radiculopathy were granted at 30% and denied respectively. The umbilical hernia received a 20% rating from February 7, 2019 to February 6, 2019.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings and service connection for IBS, umbilical hernia, hemorrhoids, and gallstones is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings were denied. The case is remanded for further action on the issues of left ear hearing loss and umbilical hernia disability.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.