Hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 7346)

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..

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.

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.

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.

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.

The key evidence for Hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia depends on the body system. Treatment records showing worsening symptoms, functional limitations documented by your provider, and buddy statements describing observable daily impact all strengthen the claim. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional is essential for contested claims.

Yes — a 60% rating for Hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia alone meets the single-disability TDIU threshold under 38 CFR § 4.16(a). If the condition prevents substantially gainful employment, compensation is paid at the 100% rate.