Hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 7346)
The VA rates Hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.114, Diagnostic Code 7346, from 0% to 60% based on the frequency and functional severity of symptoms. 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…. Related conditions in the Digestive body system share this rating framework.
What are the VA rating criteria for Hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia?
Rate as esophagus, stricture of (DC 7203).
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.
Persistently recurrent epigastric distress with dysphagia, pyrosis, and regurgitation, accompanied by substernal or arm or shoulder pain, productive of considerable impairment of health.
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.
“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?
How does the VA rate Digestive conditions?
Common Questions About Hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia VA Ratings
What is the VA disability rating for Hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia?
The VA rates Hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia under Diagnostic Code 7346 at the following tiers: 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..
What is Diagnostic Code 7346?
Diagnostic Code 7346 is the VA rating identifier for Hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia 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.
What is the highest rating for Hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia?
The highest schedular rating for Hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia under DC 7346 is 60%. This tier 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.. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions may also qualify for TDIU at the 100% compensation rate under 38 CFR § 4.16.
What 38 CFR section governs Hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia ratings?
Hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.114, Diagnostic Code 7346. This section is part of the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and can be read in full at the eCFR website.
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia?
Conditions commonly secondary to Hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia include: Dental Erosion / Dental Caries (Acid-Related), Chronic Laryngitis / Vocal Cord Dysfunction, Esophageal Stricture / Barrett's Esophagus, Osteoporosis / Bone Density Loss (PPI-Induced). Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability are ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. Medical nexus evidence linking the primary and secondary condition is required.
What evidence do I need to establish service connection for Hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia?
Service connection for Hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia 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.
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