The Board denied the veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for post-operative residuals of bilateral inguinal hernias with a history of left varicocele and groin muscle strain, finding that the disability picture did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under the applicable rating schedule.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed chronic groin pain but no recurrence of the inguinal hernia, which prevented the assignment of a higher evaluation based on DC 7338. The veteran was already in receipt of the maximum schedular rating for ilio-inguinal nerve paralysis (DC 8530).
- Claimed conditions
- post-operative residuals of bilateral inguinal hernias, left varicocele, groin muscle strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 23, 2008
- Citation
- 0832584
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0832584.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected left varicocele with surgical resection, finding that his symptoms are comparable to those of intermittent edema and fatigue after prolonged standing or walking.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that there is new and relevant evidence to readjudicate the claim of entitlement to service connection for hernia. The Veteran's current hernia diagnosis is not supported by the record, and his lay statements alone are insufficient to meet the standard to remand for a VA medical examination and/or opinion. For the left varicocele claim, the Board has determined that there is new and relevant evidence to readjudicate the claim, but further clarification on the etiology of the condition is needed.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the appeals seeking service connection for left varicocele and erectile dysfunction.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board granted a 100 percent rating for PTSD and depressive disorder with insomnia from December 29, 2020, but denied increased ratings for the veteran's other conditions.
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