The Board denied the claims for an initial compensable disability rating for right inguinal hernia surgery and service connection for a low back disability, as well as remanded the claims for service connection for GERD and entitlement to an increased rating for hypertension.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support a finding of an irreparable hernia present for 12 months or more during the appeal period, nor was there sufficient evidence to establish a relationship between the Veteran's low back disability and his active service. The Board also found that further development was necessary for the GERD claim.
- Claimed conditions
- right inguinal hernia surgery, low back disability (degenerative joint disease with lumbar spine strain), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 30, 2025
- Citation
- A25110744
Want to see how appeals like this one tend to go? Appeals like mine
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.