DC 7338Digestive System38 CFR § 4.114Last verified: APR 22, 2026

Hernia, including femoral, inguinal, umbilical, ventral, incisional, and other (but not including hiatal).

Hernia, including femoral, inguinal, umbilical, ventral, incisional, and other (but not including hiatal). is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.114, Diagnostic Code 7338, from 0% to 100% based on the frequency and functional severity of symptoms. The maximum 100% rating requires: 2. Pain when performing at least three of the following activities: (1) bending over, (2) activities of daily living (ADLs), (3) walking, and (4) climbing stairs. Most claims establish the 0% or 10% rating before reaching the top tier.

Rating schedule — DC 7338 at a glance

Minimum rating
0%

Lowest schedular rating available

Maximum rating
100%

Full schedular disability

Rating tiers
6

0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 60%, 100%

CFR section
38 CFR § 4.114

Part 4 rating schedule

Body system
Digestive System
Secondary conditions
0

None mapped

What are the VA rating criteria for Hernia, including femoral, inguinal, umbilical, ventral, incisional, and other (but not including hiatal).?

0%Disability Rating

Asymptomatic hernia; present and repairable, or repaired

10%Disability Rating

Irreparable hernia (new or recurrent) present for 12 months or more; with hernia size smaller than 3 cm

20%Disability Rating

2. Pain when performing one of the following activities: (1) bending over, (2) activities of daily living (ADLs), (3) walking, and (4) climbing stairs

30%Disability Rating

2. Pain when performing at least two of the following activities: (1) bending over, (2) activities of daily living (ADLs), (3) walking, and (4) climbing stairs

60%Disability Rating

2. Pain when performing two of the following activities: (1) bending over, (2) activities of daily living (ADLs), (3) walking, and (4) climbing stairs

100%Disability Rating

2. Pain when performing at least three of the following activities: (1) bending over, (2) activities of daily living (ADLs), (3) walking, and (4) climbing stairs

2. Pain when performing at least two of the following activities: (1) bending over, (2) activities of daily living (ADLs), (3) walking, and (4) climbing stairs

Common Questions About Hernia, including femoral, inguinal, umbilical, ventral, incisional, and other (but not including hiatal). VA Ratings

What is the VA rating range for Hernia, including femoral, inguinal, umbilical, ventral, incisional, and other (but not including hiatal).?

The VA rates Hernia, including femoral, inguinal, umbilical, ventral, incisional, and other (but not including hiatal). under Diagnostic Code 7338 at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 60%, 100%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Asymptomatic hernia; present and repairable, or repaired. The maximum 100% rating requires: 2. Pain when performing at least three of the following activities: (1) bending over, (2) activities of daily living (ADLs), (3) walking, and (4) climbing stairs.

Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Hernia, including femoral, inguinal, umbilical, ventral, incisional, and other (but not including hiatal).?

The VA rates Hernia, including femoral, inguinal, umbilical, ventral, incisional, and other (but not including hiatal). under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7338, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.114. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.

What is the difference between a 0% and a 100% rating for Hernia, including femoral, inguinal, umbilical, ventral, incisional, and other (but not including hiatal).?

A 0% rating requires: Asymptomatic hernia; present and repairable, or repaired. A 100% rating requires: 2. Pain when performing at least three of the following activities: (1) bending over, (2) activities of daily living (ADLs), (3) walking, and (4) climbing stairs. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.

Can Hernia, including femoral, inguinal, umbilical, ventral, incisional, and other (but not including hiatal). qualify for TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability)?

Veterans rated for Hernia, including femoral, inguinal, umbilical, ventral, incisional, and other (but not including hiatal). may qualify for TDIU if the condition — alone or in combination with other service-connected disabilities — prevents substantially gainful employment. A single disability rated at 60% or higher (or multiple disabilities combining to 70%, with one at 40%) can support a TDIU claim under 38 CFR § 4.16.

What evidence do I need to establish service connection for Hernia, including femoral, inguinal, umbilical, ventral, incisional, and other (but not including hiatal).?

Service connection for Hernia, including femoral, inguinal, umbilical, ventral, incisional, and other (but not including hiatal). requires three elements: (1) a current diagnosis of the condition, (2) an in-service event, injury, or disease, and (3) a medical nexus linking the current diagnosis to that in-service occurrence. A nexus letter from a treating or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence.

What is the C&P exam like for Hernia, including femoral, inguinal, umbilical, ventral, incisional, and other (but not including hiatal).?

A Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam for Hernia, including femoral, inguinal, umbilical, ventral, incisional, and other (but not including hiatal). uses a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) specific to the body system involved. The examiner documents the frequency, severity, and functional impact of your symptoms. Bring all relevant treatment records and be prepared to describe your worst-day symptoms — the examiner rates your condition based on the full clinical picture, not a single visit.

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