Hernias (Including Inguinal, Femoral, and Ventral)

Your doctor will complete VA Form 21-0960G-3 (Hernias (Including Inguinal, Femoral, and Ventral) DBQ) after examining you. This walkthrough helps you prepare them. The DBQ is a standardized questionnaire; your doctor's answers directly determine your VA rating. Brief them on these specific points before the exam so nothing important is missed or underdocumented.

Common mistakes

• ×Asking your doctor to just "fill out the VA form" without briefing them - an uninformed completion is often generic and leads to lower ratings.
• ×Bringing the DBQ to a provider who has never seen you before - your treating physician who knows your history will write the most credible documentation.
• ×Going to the exam and waiting for the doctor to ask questions - come prepared with specific examples of your worst days and functional limitations.

These are the key clinical questions from the Hernias (Including Inguinal, Femoral, and Ventral) DBQ. Help your doctor understand what each question is asking and give them concrete examples for your situation. Print this section and bring it to the appointment. 1. Has the hernia recurred after surgical repair? WHY IT MATTERS: Recurrent hernias, especially post-operative, are rated higher than initial hernias TIPS: Document each recurrence with dates and treatment; Note if the hernia is readily reducible or not 2. What is the size of the hernia and is it reducible? WHY IT MATTERS: Large, irremediable hernias that are not well supported by a truss are rated higher TIPS: Describe whether the hernia can be pushed back in; Note the size and if it has grown over time 3. Do you require a truss or belt for support? WHY IT MATTERS: Need for a truss or supporting belt is a specific rating criterion TIPS: Bring your truss or belt to the exam; Describe how often you need to wear it 4. How many surgical repairs have you had? WHY IT MATTERS: Multiple repairs and recurrences indicate severity and support higher ratings TIPS: Bring all operative reports; Document complications from each surgery 5. Does the hernia cause pain or functional limitations? WHY IT MATTERS: Pain and limitations on activity document the impact of the condition TIPS: Describe activities you cannot do because of the hernia; Note if heavy lifting or straining worsens the condition

Common mistakes

• ×Not documenting hernia recurrence after surgical repair
• ×Failing to mention use of truss or supportive belt
• ×Not describing functional limitations caused by the hernia

VA raters use the Hernias (Including Inguinal, Femoral, and Ventral) DBQ to determine your disability rating. The most important rating factors for this condition are: 1. Whether the hernia is reducible or irremediable 2. Size of the hernia (small, large) 3. Whether a truss or belt is required for support 4. Recurrence after surgical repair 5. For ventral hernias: whether wound is massive with persistent muscle disruption For each factor, give your doctor specific examples from your daily life so they can document accurately (not generically).

Common mistakes

• ×Overlooking that different hernia types have separate rating criteria

Authority

• 38 CFR 4.1 - Functional impairment as the basis for rating.

Preparation checklist for the Hernias (Including Inguinal, Femoral, and Ventral) DBQ exam: 1. Bring all surgical records and operative reports 2. Bring your truss or support belt to the exam 3. Document each recurrence with dates and treatment received 4. Describe impact on physical activities and work limitations 5. Note any complications such as incarceration or bowel involvement Remember: Describe your WORST days, not your average days. VA raters evaluate the full range of your disability including its worst manifestations.

Common mistakes

• ×Describing your best days or average functioning instead of your worst - VA rates the full range of disability.
• ×Minimizing symptoms out of stoicism or pride - accurate documentation is not exaggeration; it is honesty.
• ×Not mentioning secondary symptoms, side effects, or additional conditions the doctor may not ask about.