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Hernia, including femoral, inguinal, umbilical, ventral, incisional, and other (but not including hiatal)
Diagnostic code 7338 · Digestive system · 38 CFR 4.114
Rating criteria: the exact regulation text
Quoted from 38 CFR 4.114. The "Rating" column is the percentage VA assigns for that level.
| Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| 7338 Hernia, including femoral, inguinal, umbilical, ventral, incisional, and other (but not including hiatal). | |
| Irreparable hernia (new or recurrent) present for 12 months or more; with both of the following present for 12 months or more: | |
| 1. Size equal to 15 cm or greater in one dimension; and | |
| 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 | 100 |
| Irreparable hernia (new or recurrent) present for 12 months or more; with both of the following present for 12 months or more: | |
| 1. Size equal to 15 cm or greater in one dimension; and | |
| 2. Pain when performing two of the following activities: (1) bending over, (2) activities of daily living (ADLs), (3) walking, and (4) climbing stairs | 60 |
| Irreparable hernia (new or recurrent) present for 12 months or more; with both of the following present for 12 months or more: | |
| 1. Size equal to 3 cm or greater but less than 15 cm in one dimension; and | |
| 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 | 30 |
| Irreparable hernia (new or recurrent) present for 12 months or more; with both of the following present for 12 months or more: | |
| 1. Size equal to 3 cm or greater but less than 15 cm in one dimension; and | |
| 2. Pain when performing one of the following activities: (1) bending over, (2) activities of daily living (ADLs), (3) walking, and (4) climbing stairs | 20 |
| Irreparable hernia (new or recurrent) present for 12 months or more; with hernia size smaller than 3 cm | 10 |
| Asymptomatic hernia; present and repairable, or repaired | 0 |
| Note (1): With two compensable inguinal hernias, evaluate the more severely disabling hernia first, and then add 10% to that rating to account for the second compensable hernia. Do not add 10% to that rating if the more severely disabling hernia is rated at 100%. | |
| Note (2): Any one of the following activities of daily living are sufficient for evaluation: bathing, dressing, hygiene, and/or transfers. |
Notes for the whole table
Do not combine ratings under diagnostic codes 7301 through 7329 inclusive, 7331, 7342, 7345 through 7350 inclusive, 7352, and 7355 through 7357 inclusive, with each other. Instead, when more than one rating is warranted under those diagnostic codes, assign a single evaluation under the diagnostic code that reflects the predominant disability picture, and elevate it to the next higher evaluation if warranted by the severity of the overall disability.
The VA exam form for this condition
VA examiners record their findings on a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ). Reading it shows you what the exam will measure and ask.
Rules that apply to this body system
Where this comes from
38 CFR 4.114, VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities, from the official eCFR.
Regulation text current as of October 16, 2026.
Change history for this code (38 CFR Part 4, Appendix A): Title, evaluation, criterion, and note May 19, 2024.
Read it on eCFR.govInformation, not advice
This page shows the text of VA's rating regulation for information. It is not a rating estimate, and it is not legal or medical advice. VA decides every rating on the evidence in your file.
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