The Veteran's bilateral inguinal hernia was rated at 10% prior to May 1, 2014 and at 40% from May 1, 2014 through July 28, 2014. The Veteran's spondylolisthesis, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve), and left and right lower extremity radiculopathy (femoral nerve) were not addressed in this decision.
The deciding factor: The VA examination indicated that the Veteran's bilateral inguinal hernia was well-supported by a truss prior to May 1, 2014 but not after. The rating of 40% is based on the criteria for a small (versus large), postoperative, recurrent hernia that was not well-supported by a truss.
- Claimed conditions
- inguinal hernia, spondylolisthesis, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve), left and right lower extremity radiculopathy (femoral nerve)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- October 15, 2015
- Citation
- 1544004
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 1544004.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board has not made a final determination on the claims of service connection for inguinal hernia, PTSD, joint pain, fibromyalgia, left knee disability, right knee disability, tinnitus, chronic fatigue syndrome, respiratory disability, sleep disorder, IBS, and headaches. The claims are remanded to obtain additional evidence and determine if these conditions are related to service.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a back disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that the evidence supports a link between these conditions and the Veteran's active duty service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty-to-assist error and the need for additional medical evidence. The Veteran's lower back disability, including lumbar strain and spondylolisthesis, is being reviewed again.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and initial disability ratings were denied. The Veteran was granted a rating of 40 percent, but no higher, for diabetic peripheral neuropathy affecting the right lower extremity and left lower extremity, and a rating of 20 percent, but no higher, for diabetic peripheral neuropathy affecting the left upper extremity (minor).
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