The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of his service-connected ventral hernia residuals was denied, and the claim for secondary service connection for major depressive disorder was also denied.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations did not find a large postoperative ventral hernia that is not well-supported by belt under ordinary circumstances. The Veteran's current major depressive disorder is not caused or increased in severity beyond natural progress of disease by the service-connected ventral hernia residuals.
- Claimed conditions
- status post incarcerated rectus sheath hernia repair (ventral hernia residuals)
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 25, 2016
- Citation
- 1612118
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 1612118.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected ventral hernia residuals is granted. The Board also finds that the Veteran meets the criteria for service connection of major depressive disorder as secondary to his service-connected ventral hernia residuals. Additionally, the Veteran's TDIU claim is granted.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's headaches are at least as likely as not caused by his service-connected traumatic brain injury, and thus grants service connection for this condition.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hypertension and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.
- Granted
The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to be caused by his service-connected low back and radiculopathy disabilities, which prevent him from doing enjoyable activities and daily living tasks.
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