The Board found that the Veteran's hiatal hernia with GERD resulted in two or more of the symptoms for a 10 percent rating, but denied an initial compensable rating for his inguinal hernia scar due to lack of probative value on pain and limitation of motion.
The deciding factor: The Board found that while the Veteran reported pain when lifting or bending, this was inconsistent with prior statements and placed little probative value on it. The April 2010 QTC examiner's report noted no skin breakdown and no painful scar.
- Claimed conditions
- Hiatal Hernia with GERD, Inguinal Hernia Scar
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 6, 2014
- Citation
- 1420228
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 1420228.
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 granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and a 30 percent rating for hiatal hernia with GERD, but remanded the issue of entitlement to TDIU.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected right eye disability, low back pain, and related conditions have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. He is also in need of regular aid and attendance due to his disabilities.
- Granted
The Veteran's right knee disability, rated at 30 percent prior to December 11, 2012, is now rated at 60 percent effective from that date.,The Veteran has been granted TDIU based on her service-connected disabilities.
- Granted
The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, obstructive sleep apnea, migraines, and hiatal hernia with GERD have resulted in a compensable rating of zero percent. The Board has granted an earlier effective date of March 5, 2018 for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA).
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.