The Veteran's rating for a painful scar associated with his inguinal hernia repair was reduced from 10 percent to zero, effective May 1, 2018. The Board found the reduction improper and restored the 10 percent rating.,For residuals of left hernia repair, the Veteran is not entitled to a compensable disability rating under Diagnostic Code 7338.
The deciding factor: The reduction in rating from 10 percent to zero for the painful scar was improper due to the short duration of the lower rating and lack of improvement in function.,For residuals of left hernia repair, there is no evidence of post-operative recurrent inguinal hernia that requires a truss or belt.
- Claimed conditions
- Painful scar, status post inguinal hernia repair, Residuals of left hernia repair
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 28, 2023
- Citation
- 23068098
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 23068098.
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
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