The Board granted an increased disability rating of 20 percent for status post ventral hernioplasty but denied higher initial and compensable ratings for the painful, stable linear scar to midline supraumbilical status post hernioplasty.

The deciding factor: The evidence was approximately evenly balanced as to whether the Veteran's symptoms more nearly approximated healed ventral hernia or postoperative wounds with weakening of abdominal wall and indication of the need for a supporting belt, warranting a 20 percent disability rating under DC 7339. However, the evidence did not show that her symptoms more nearly approximated a large hernia not well supported by a belt under ordinary conditions.

Claimed conditions

status post ventral hernioplasty, painful, stable linear scar to midline supraumbilical status post hernioplasty

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

20%

Decision date

March 10, 2025

Citation

A25021544

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