The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral inguinal herniography residuals did not meet the criteria for a 10 percent rating prior to March 19, 2009. From March 19, 2009, there is no legal entitlement to a compensable rating based on multiple noncompensable service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's bilateral inguinal herniography residuals have not required at least one month of convalescence or resulted in severe postoperative residuals as per VA regulations.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not show that the right inguinal hernia repair surgery required a minimum of one month of convalescence, and there is no indication that it resulted in severe postoperative residuals. The Veteran's work restrictions were due to his own behavior rather than the surgical procedure.
- Claimed conditions
- Right wrist disorder, Left wrist disorder, Right foot disorder, Left knee disorder, Right knee disorder, Lumbar spine disorder, Acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, substance abuse disorder), Sleep disorder, Erectile dysfunction, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Benign prostate hypertrophy (BHP)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 23, 2017
- Citation
- 1708910
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 1708910.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for Dupuytren's contracture of the left hand, right hand, and GERD is remanded due to inadequate VA examination opinions and failure to consider toxic exposure risk activities during service.
- Denied
The Veteran's GERD is currently rated at 10 percent disabling, but the Board found that his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), finding that both conditions are secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lower back condition and sinusitis, respectively.
- Denied
The Board has denied service connection for bladder cancer, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as there is no evidence to support a link between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.
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.