EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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Hernia VA Disability Rating
DC 7338 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.114 | M21-1, Part IV.ii.2.F
OVERVIEW
Hernias — including femoral, inguinal, umbilical, ventral, incisional, and other types (not hiatal hernia, rated DC 7346) — are rated under DC 7338 at 38 C.F.R. § 4.114. Updated 2023 criteria rate hernias based on size in centimeters and pain with specific activities. Veterans with service-connected hernias include those whose military physical demands (heavy lifting, physical training) caused or aggravated the hernia.
RATING CRITERIA (6 LEVELS)
100% — Irreparable, ≥15 cm, pain with 3+ activities
Irreparable hernia present 12+ months; size ≥15 cm in one dimension; pain when performing at least 3 of: bending over, ADLs, walking, climbing stairs.
60% — Irreparable, ≥15 cm, pain with 2 activities
Irreparable hernia present 12+ months; size ≥15 cm; pain when performing 2 of: bending over, ADLs, walking, climbing stairs.
30% — Irreparable, 3-15 cm, pain with 2+ activities
Irreparable hernia present 12+ months; size ≥3 cm but <15 cm; pain when performing at least 2 activities.
20% — Irreparable, 3-15 cm, pain with 1 activity
Irreparable hernia present 12+ months; size ≥3 cm but <15 cm; pain when performing 1 of: bending, ADLs, walking, or stairs.
10% — Irreparable, <3 cm
Irreparable hernia present 12+ months; size smaller than 3 cm.
0% — Asymptomatic or repaired
Asymptomatic hernia present and repairable, or successfully repaired without complications.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Physical exam documenting hernia size in centimeters
-Imaging (ultrasound or CT) confirming hernia and dimensions
-Surgery records if hernia repair performed
-Service records documenting heavy lifting or physical training demands
-Records showing pain with specific activities
-Documentation that hernia is irreparable
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (2 MAPPED)
DC Various
Chronic abdominal and groin pain from unrepaired hernia or post-surgical pain syndrome.
DC 7522
Inguinal hernia repair can injure vas deferens or testicular blood supply causing erectile dysfunction.
C&P EXAM TIPS (5)
1.Hernia size in centimeters is the primary rating driver — ensure your C&P examiner measures and records the size in cm.
2.If your hernia has been repaired, document post-surgical pain or complications.
3.Describe activity-specific pain clearly: bending, walking distances, climbing stairs, daily activities.
4.Bilateral hernias are rated separately with bilateral factor applied.
5.For post-repair claims: document mesh complications, nerve entrapment, or residual symptoms.
RELEVANT CASE LAW
38 C.F.R. § 4.114, DC 7338 (2023 updated criteria)
Updated 2023 criteria require objective measurement of hernia size. Examiners must document size in cm and assess pain with four specific activities.
DOLLAR IMPACT
30% for symptomatic irreparable hernia: $524.31/mo. Bilateral hernias can reach 40-50% combined. Many veterans underrated because examiners fail to measure hernia size.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026