EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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Inguinal Hernia
DC 7338 | 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7338 |
Inguinal Hernia is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 7338 of 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7338 across 4 severity tiers (10% / 20% / 40% / 60%). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303.
OVERVIEW
Protrusion of tissue through the inguinal canal in the groin area. Very common in veterans due to heavy lifting and physical training. Can be direct or indirect, unilateral or bilateral. May recur after surgical repair.
RATING CRITERIA (4 LEVELS)
10%
Daytime voiding interval between two and three hours, or awakening to void two times per night; or mild renal dysfunction.
20%
Daytime voiding interval between one and two hours, or awakening to void three to four times per night; or requiring the wearing of absorbent materials which must be changed less than two times per day.
40%
Daytime voiding interval less than one hour, or awakening to void five or more times per night; or requiring the wearing of absorbent materials which must be changed two to four times per day.
60%
Requiring the use of an appliance or the wearing of absorbent materials which must be changed more than four times per day; or moderate to severe renal dysfunction.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Service treatment records
-Current medical diagnosis and treatment records
-Buddy/lay statements
-Prescription history
-Employment impact documentation
-Any relevant diagnostic testing
C&P EXAM TIPS (5)
1.Bring all relevant medical records and a written list of symptoms.
2.Report your worst days, not your best. The VA rates based on overall impairment.
3.Document how the condition affects daily activities, work, and relationships.
4.Mention all medications and their side effects.
5.Bring buddy statements from people who observe your symptoms.
SOURCES & EDITORIAL
Rating criteria reference 38 C.F.R. Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities). This entry has not yet undergone editorial review against the live regulation text — consult the authoritative source directly before relying on the criteria shown.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026