Body system: Digestive SystemRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.114DBQ: DBQ GI Hernias (Including Abdominal, Inguinal, and Femoral Hernias)
DC 7338 covers all hernias of the abdominal wall and groin region — including inguinal, femoral, umbilical, ventral, incisional, and other types — but NOT hiatal hernia (which is rated under digestive codes). A hernia is a protrusion of internal tissue or organ through a weakened wall of the abdominal cavity. The VA rates this condition from 0% to 100% under 38 CFR § 4.114 based on three combined factors: (1) whether the hernia is irreparable AND has been present for 12 months or more, (2) the size of the hernia in one dimension (less than 3 cm, 3-15 cm, or 15 cm or greater), and (3) the number of routine activities (bending, ADLs, walking, climbing stairs) that produce pain. A repairable or successfully-repaired hernia is rated at 0%.
Rating levels
- 100% — You qualify for 100% if all three are present for 12 months or more: (1) the hernia is irreparable (surgically uncorrectable, whether new or recurrent), (2) the hernia measures 15 cm or larger in at least one dimension, AND (3) you experience pain when performing at least three of these activities: bending over, daily activities (ADLs), walking, or climbing stairs. The 12-month duration applies to all three findings.
- 60% — You qualify for 60% if all three are present for 12 months or more: (1) the hernia is irreparable, (2) measures 15 cm or larger in one dimension, AND (3) you have pain in exactly two of these activities: bending over, daily activities (ADLs), walking, or climbing stairs.
- 30% — You qualify for 30% if all three are present for 12 months or more: (1) the hernia is irreparable, (2) measures from 3 cm up to but not including 15 cm in one dimension, AND (3) you have pain in at least two of these activities: bending over, daily activities (ADLs), walking, or climbing stairs.
- 20% — You qualify for 20% if all three are present for 12 months or more: (1) the hernia is irreparable, (2) measures from 3 cm up to but not including 15 cm in one dimension, AND (3) you have pain in exactly one of these activities: bending over, daily activities (ADLs), walking, or climbing stairs.
- 10% — You qualify for 10% if you have an irreparable hernia (new or recurrent) that has been present for 12 months or more, with a size smaller than 3 cm in any dimension. No pain criteria apply at this tier — being irreparable and persistent for 12+ months is enough at this size.
- 0% — You qualify for 0% if you have an asymptomatic hernia that is either currently present but repairable (surgery can fix it) OR has already been repaired. A 0% rating means the condition is recognized as service-connected but is not currently producing compensable disability.