The Veteran's service-connected left inguinal hernia repair and associated scar have worsened since his last VA examination, necessitating a new evaluation to determine appropriate ratings.
The deciding factor: The Veteran reported worsening symptoms that suggest a material change in the severity of his conditions since his last VA examination.
- Claimed conditions
- left inguinal hernia repair, scar status post left inguinal hernia repair
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 29, 2020
- Citation
- 20007204
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 increased ratings and service connection, with some issues being remanded.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for left ankle sprain but denied service connection for left inguinal hernia repair, right foot plantar fasciitis, left foot plantar fasciitis, lateral & medial epicondylitis of right elbow, and seborrheic dermatitis.
- Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for a left inguinal hernia repair and found that the Veteran's low back disability was not entitled to an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent prior to July 17, 2007, but warranted a 40 percent rating from March 14, 1995, with no higher rating thereafter.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
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