The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have residuals of frostbite to the face and gums, a dental disorder (teeth number 18 and 19 extracted), an inguinal hernia, Hepatitis C, a gastrointestinal disorder claimed as acid reflux, or intestinal polyps due to service. The claims are therefore denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's in-service treatment records do not document any cold injury or treatment for a cold injury including to the face and gums, and there is no current diagnosis of residuals of frostbite to the face and gums. Teeth number 18 and 19 were extracted during service as part of intended treatment, but this does not constitute a dental disorder. The inguinal hernia was not shown in service or linked to service. Hepatitis C was not shown in service and is not linked to service. A gastrointestinal disorder claimed as acid reflux and intestinal polyps are also not shown in service or linked to service.
- Claimed conditions
- Residuals of frostbite to the face and gums, Dental disorder (teeth number 18 and 19 extracted), Inguinal hernia, status post repair to include scarring, Hepatitis C, Gastrointestinal disorder claimed as acid reflux, Intestinal polyps
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 28, 2015
- Citation
- 1504085
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 1504085.
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: Denied
The Board denied a compensable initial rating for Hepatitis C, finding that the Veteran's condition was asymptomatic and did not meet the criteria for any higher rating.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's Hepatitis C with cirrhosis is related to service, and therefore grants service connection for these conditions.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Veteran's depressive disorder is granted as service-connected, with the Board finding it related to his active duty service and aggravated by his service-connected tibia fractures. The claim for hepatitis C is remanded due to inadequate medical opinions regarding its etiology.,Service connection for depressive disorder is established based on direct evidence of a current disability (depressive disorder) that was incurred during active duty service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected Hepatitis C, lumbar DDD with strain, osteomyelitis, and loss of use of right foot disability rendered him so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance. Effective October 28, 2008, the Veteran meets the criteria for SMC under various provisions.
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.