The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his hernia condition was denied as there is no evidence of a large ventral hernia, postoperative, not well supported by belt under ordinary conditions from June 7, 2007 to October 20, 2013. From December 1, 2013, the Veteran's postoperative hernia was manifested by healed post-operative wounds without indication for a support belt or weakening of the abdominal wall.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the Veteran's hernia met the schedular criteria for a higher evaluation from June 7, 2007 to October 20, 2013 and from December 1, 2013.
- Claimed conditions
- Hernia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- September 6, 2023
- Citation
- 23048849
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 23048849.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
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