The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected hernia disability and associated scar, as well as his requests for service connection for respiratory and heart disorders. The Board also found that a separate rating for his surgical scar of the abdomen was proper and that he did not meet criteria for a 10 percent rating based on multiple noncompensable service-connected disabilities.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms were not shown to be related to any service-connected disability, and his hernia residuals did not result in recurrent hernias or muscle weakening. The scar was found to be stable and without disabling effects. His respiratory and heart disorders were also denied as they were not causally related to military service.
- Claimed conditions
- Ventral Hernia, Surgical Scar of Abdomen
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 1, 2020
- Citation
- 20057659
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 20057659.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has restored service connection for ventral hernia and hernia repair scar, effective from September 1, 2020 to May 20, 2024.
- Dismissed
The appeal for a higher rating for ventral hernia has been withdrawn and dismissed. The appeals for service connection of heart condition, including atrial fibrillation (AFIB) and aortic regurgitation, and high blood pressure have been remanded.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's ventral hernia is service-connected as it likely began during basic training and was not caused by any in-service injury, event, or illness.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 30 percent initial rating for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right hand, denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for cervical strain and a compensable rating for ventral hernia, and denied an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
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