The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that his sleep apnea is not related to service or a service-connected disability. The abdominal scars are rated at 10 percent due to pain but no additional functional limitations. The residuals of multiple herniorrhaphies and malrotation repair with adhesions and abdominal pain warrant a 30 percent rating. The left wrist disability does not meet the criteria for an increased rating.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not support service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, as it was determined that the Veteran's current condition is more likely related to his anxiety disorder rather than his in-service hernia surgeries. For the abdominal scars, while painful, they do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7801 or 7804. The residuals of multiple herniorrhaphies and malrotation repair with adhesions and abdominal pain are rated at 30 percent as per Diagnostic Code 7301. For the left wrist disability, it was determined that an increased rating is not warranted.
- Claimed conditions
- obstructive sleep apnea, abdominal scars, residuals of multiple herniorrhaphies and malrotation repair with adhesions and abdominal pain, left wrist disability
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 3, 2018
- Citation
- 1819744
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 1819744.
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 the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that there is no competent evidence to support a finding that his current condition began in or as a result of service.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as there is no current diagnosis of this condition during the appeal period.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his active service or any related exposure.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied service connection for hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the evidence did not support a direct relationship to service or toxic exposure. The Veteran's claims were based on his participation in TERA activities during service.
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