The Veteran's abdominal hernia with post-operative residuals did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating from June 25, 2012 to July 2, 2014. The Board found that his service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing or following gainful employment prior to July 3, 2014.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's hernia was rated at 20 percent and the evidence did not show a large ventral hernia requiring a supporting belt under ordinary conditions. The Board found that his service-connected disabilities alone were not sufficient to prevent him from securing or following gainful employment.
- Claimed conditions
- abdominal hernia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 22, 2018
- Citation
- 1818106
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1818106.
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 service connection for various conditions, including right shoulder disability, abdominal hernia, GERD, bilateral ankle disabilities, and bilateral foot disabilities. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated during the appellant's period of active duty.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for hypertension has been granted, with a 10% disability rating. The issue of service connection for abdominal hernias is remanded due to the AOJ's failure to obtain an adequate medical opinion.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for heat stroke was dismissed as the appellant requested withdrawal of the appeal.,Service connection for abdominal hernia secondary to a pre-existing service-connected condition (colon cancer) is granted.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and right lower extremity radiculopathy are granted service connection. The Veteran's hypertension and abdominal hernia claims are remanded for further development, as is his claim for an increased rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy.
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