Hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia
The VA rates Hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia under Diagnostic Code 7346 across 4 severity levels, from 0% to 60%. The 60% maximum means additional ratings through secondary conditions or combined ratings are critical for higher compensation. There are 4 documented secondary conditions linked to Hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia.
Also available: View rating schedule for DC 7346
Rating schedule — DC 7346 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 0%
- Maximum rating
- 60%
- Rating tiers
- 4
- CFR section
- § 4.114
- Body system
- Digestive System
- Secondary conditions
- 4
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
0%, 10%, 30%, 60%
Part 4 rating schedule
Mapped in our database
What are the VA rating criteria for Hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Rate as esophagus, stricture of (DC 7203). Note: Cross-reference — see referenced criteria for rating tiers |
| 10% | Symptoms of epigastric distress after eating, nausea, vomiting, regurgitation with occasional episodes of heartburn or pyrosis; or; ratable condition that is controlled by diet or antacid drugs. Note: DC 7346 covers hiatal hernia. As of May 2024, GERD is rated separately under DC 7206. The rating is based on symptom frequency, severity, and required treatment. Many veterans develop hiatal hernia secondary to NSAID use for service-connected musculoskeletal conditions. |
| 30% | Persistently recurrent epigastric distress with dysphagia, pyrosis, and regurgitation, accompanied by substernal or arm or shoulder pain, productive of considerable impairment of health. |
| 60% | Symptoms of epigastric distress, pyrosis, regurgitation, dysphagia, vomiting, with marked impairment of health as evidenced by weight loss, hematemesis (vomiting blood), or melena (blood in stool); or; with severe impairment of health necessitating surgery. Note: The 60% rating for hiatal hernia requires severe systemic manifestations such as bleeding, significant weight loss, or surgical necessity. Documentation of objective findings (EGD, barium swallow, weight records) is essential for this rating tier. |
“Persistently recurrent epigastric distress with dysphagia, pyrosis, and regurgitation, accompanied by substernal or arm or shoulder pain, productive of considerable impairment of health.”
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia?
View 4 secondary conditions linked to Hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia
Medical rationale, evidence strength, and filing tips — rated under 38 CFR § 3.310
Common Questions About Hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia?
The VA rates Hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia under Diagnostic Code 7346 at 0%, 10%, 30%, 60%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Rate as esophagus, stricture of (DC 7203).. The maximum 60% rating requires: Symptoms of epigastric distress, pyrosis, regurgitation, dysphagia, vomiting, with marked impairment of health as evidenced by weight loss, hematemesis (vomiting blood), or melena (blood in stool); or; with severe impairment of health necessitating surgery..
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia?
The VA rates Hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7346, 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 60% rating for Hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia?
A 0% rating requires: Rate as esophagus, stricture of (DC 7203).. A 60% rating requires: Symptoms of epigastric distress, pyrosis, regurgitation, dysphagia, vomiting, with marked impairment of health as evidenced by weight loss, hematemesis (vomiting blood), or melena (blood in stool); or; with severe impairment of health necessitating surgery.. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 60% rating for Hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia alone meets the single-disability threshold for TDIU (38 CFR § 4.16). If the condition prevents substantially gainful employment, the veteran is compensated at the 100% rate without a schedular 100% rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia?
The key evidence for Hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. Treatment records showing worsening symptoms, functional limitations documented by your provider, and buddy statements describing observable impact on daily life all strengthen the claim. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia?
Hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia is associated with 4 documented secondary conditions. Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability are ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. See the secondary conditions page for the full list with medical rationale and evidence strength ratings.
What happens at the C&P exam for Hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia?
The C&P examiner uses a Digestive System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 7346 rating criteria. The examiner documents symptom frequency, severity, and functional impact. Bring all treatment records and describe your worst days, not your best — the VA rates on the full clinical picture across time, not a snapshot of one good day.
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