The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for residuals of post-operative left inguinal hernia is denied as there is no evidence of a recurrent hernia or small inguinal hernia, post-operative recurrent. The current rating assigned is based on the painful scar and ilioinguinal neuropathy.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's claim is based on his painful scar and associated ilioinguinal neuropathy, but there is no evidence of recurrence of a hernia or small inguinal hernia, post-operative recurrent. The current rating assigned under Diagnostic Code 7338-7804 is for the painful scar.
- Claimed conditions
- Post-operative left inguinal hernia, Painful scar
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 7, 2015
- Citation
- 1551226
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 1551226.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's nerve damage and painful scar are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the cause of these conditions, specifically whether they resulted from improper care during his carpal tunnel release surgery.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has denied a higher rating for the Veteran's post-operative left inguinal hernia and abdominal scar, but has remanded the issue of service connection for COPD due to a predecisional duty to assist error. The COPD claim is now pending with instructions on how to obtain a supplemental medical opinion.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the severance of service connection for head/neck squamous cell carcinoma and painful scar was improper, and the appeal is granted.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for a painful scar, allergic rhinitis, and tinnitus. The claim for right thigh limitation of flexion was remanded for further development.
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