The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for hiatal hernia, postoperative residuals of cervical fusion, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, and hemorrhoids. The evidence did not support a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence showed that the Veteran's service-connected conditions were manifested by symptoms consistent with their assigned ratings, without additional functional impairment warranting a higher evaluation.
- Claimed conditions
- Hiatal Hernia, Degenerative Arthritis of Lumbar Spine, Postoperative Residuals of Cervical Fusion, Hemorrhoids
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 7, 2009
- Citation
- 0929706
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 0929706.
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.
- Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the claims for service connection for hemorrhoids and tinnitus.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the issues of increased rating for back disability, service connection for sleep apnea, left heel, and hemorrhoids, as well as entitlement to a TDIU prior to August 1, 2025, for additional development.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and hemorrhoids, but remanded the claim for a right knee disability.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeals for higher ratings on all claims due to untimely Notices of Disagreement.
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