Hernia, including femoral, inguinal, umbilical, ventral, incisional, and other (but not including hiatal). — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 7338)

The VA rates Hernia, including femoral, inguinal, umbilical, ventral, incisional, and other (but not including hiatal). under Diagnostic Code 7338 at the following tiers: 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.

Diagnostic Code 7338 is the VA rating identifier for Hernia, including femoral, inguinal, umbilical, ventral, incisional, and other (but not including hiatal). within 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.114. It defines the specific symptom criteria and percentage thresholds a VA adjudicator uses to assign a disability rating. The diagnostic code is listed on a veteran's rating decision letter.

The highest schedular rating for Hernia, including femoral, inguinal, umbilical, ventral, incisional, and other (but not including hiatal). under DC 7338 is 100%. This tier 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. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Hernia, including femoral, inguinal, umbilical, ventral, incisional, and other (but not including hiatal). alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions may also qualify for TDIU at the 100% compensation rate under 38 CFR § 4.16.

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. This section is part of the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and can be read in full at the eCFR website.

Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by Hernia, including femoral, inguinal, umbilical, ventral, incisional, and other (but not including hiatal). may be ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. Veterans should work with a VSO or accredited claims agent to document the medical relationship.

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 that may have caused or aggravated it, and (3) a medical nexus connecting the current diagnosis to that in-service event. A nexus letter from a treating physician or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence. C&P exam findings can also establish nexus if adequately documented.