VA Disability Rating for Diaphragm, rupture of, with herniation (DC 5324)

Body system: Muscle InjuriesRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.73DBQ: DBQ MUSC Muscle Injuries

DC 5324 covers rupture of the diaphragm with herniation, where abdominal organs push up through a tear in the diaphragm. The regulation gives it no percentages of its own: it is rated under DC 7346, hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia (38 CFR 4.73), which in turn is rated as stricture of the esophagus under DC 7203 (38 CFR 4.114): 0%, 10%, 30%, 50% or 80% by how much the condition interferes with swallowing and what treatment it needs. The top of that scale is 80%.

Rating levels

  • Note — A ruptured diaphragm with herniation (when the muscle that helps you breathe tears and allows organs to push through into the chest cavity) is not rated under the muscle injury criteria. Instead, the VA evaluates this condition using the same rating system as hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia (conditions where part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm), which focuses on digestive symptoms and complications rather than muscle damage.

Disclaimer: This tool is for informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. Always consult with your VSO representative or a qualified veterans benefits attorney for guidance on your specific claim.

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