The Veteran's right and left inguinal hernia disabilities have been rated under DC 7338 throughout the appeal period. The Board found no increased ratings are warranted for these conditions at any point during the appeal period.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support an increase in rating for either the right or left inguinal hernia disabilities, as they were both readily reducible and well supported by truss or belt.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Inguinal Hernia, Left Inguinal Hernia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 4, 2019
- Citation
- 19125216
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD, a compensable rating for right inguinal hernia, and an earlier effective date for service connection of the hernia. The claim for service connection for gastrointestinal problems was remanded.
- Partly granted
The Board denied higher initial ratings for erectile dysfunction, right inguinal hernia, and scar -anterior trunk, abdomen (s/p right inguinal hernia repair), but granted a 10 percent rating for paresthesia -inferior maxillary fifth cranial nerve (now claimed as bruxism).
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations and consideration of all relevant evidence.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD is granted with a 70% rating, and the other issues are denied. The right inguinal hernia, ring finger fracture, and little finger fractures do not warrant compensable ratings.
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.