The Veteran's left lower extremity reflex sympathetic dystrophy, previously known as left genitofemoral neuralgia, was granted an initial rating of 20 percent prior to August 19, 2020. From that date forward, the claim for a higher rating is denied. The inguinal hernia repair and left ilioinguinal neuralgia were both found not to warrant any compensable ratings.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's left lower extremity reflex sympathetic dystrophy was rated based on moderate incomplete paralysis of the femoral nerve, resulting in an initial 20 percent rating. The inguinal hernia repair and left ilioinguinal neuralgia were both found not to meet the criteria for a compensable rating.
- Claimed conditions
- left lower extremity reflex sympathetic dystrophy (previously left genitofemoral neuralgia), inguinal hernia repair, left ilioinguinal neuralgia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- October 4, 2021
- Citation
- 21061583
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 2,240 · Granted: 28% (granted or partly granted, in the vetted decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 21061583.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional evidence and a retrospective opinion regarding whether there is medical evidence supporting that, at least as likely as not, the Veteran had a recurrent right inguinal hernia prior to April 14, 2018.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the initial rating decisions were issued before the implementation of the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA), and thus, the Veteran's appeal should be handled under the legacy system. As a result, an SOC must be issued by the AOJ to address the compensable ratings for residuals of inguinal hernia surgery and left ilioinguinal neuralgia associated with it.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for onychomycosis of the right and left great toes has been dismissed. The appeals for service connection regarding DDD of the cervical spine, residuals of Epstein-Barr virus, residuals of inguinal hernia repair, chronic joint damage, and heart condition are all remanded.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed all the issues related to service connection and rating for various conditions, including dental condition, inguinal hernia repair, MRSA, lumbar spine disability, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity. The appeal is dismissed due to the death of the appellant.
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