Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Denied

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for a recurrent right inguinal hernia and major depression were denied by the Board. The Veteran's right inguinal hernia was rated at 10 percent, while his major depression was rated at 30 percent.

The deciding factor: The VA examinations did not find any evidence of recurrence or worsening of the hernia condition, and the Veteran's depressive symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 9434.

Claimed conditions
recurrent right inguinal hernia, major depression
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
10%
Decision date
October 15, 2010
Citation
1038745

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 1038745.

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.

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.