★ Digestive
Hiatal Hernia VA Rating
38 CFR § 4.114, Diagnostic Code 7346
Overview
Hiatal hernia and GERD are typically diagnosed together and rated under the same code.
VA cannot rate both separately for the same symptoms (no pyramiding).
How to Establish Service Connection
- Direct: documented in-service GI complaints.
- Secondary: PTSD-medication side effects, or post-operative complications.
Rating Criteria
Paraphrased from 38 CFR § 4.114, Diagnostic Code 7346
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Two or more 30% symptoms with less severity. |
| 30% | Persistent recurrent epigastric distress with dysphagia, pyrosis, and regurgitation, accompanied by substernal/arm/shoulder pain, productive of considerable impairment of health. |
| 60% | Symptoms of pain, vomiting, material weight loss and hematemesis or melena with moderate anemia; or other symptom combinations productive of severe impairment of health. |
See what each percentage pays in 2026 and how it combines with your current rating →
Evidence Checklist
- Upper endoscopy (EGD) findings.
- Barium swallow imaging.
- Medication list (PPIs, H2 blockers).
- Weight history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a Hiatal Hernia claim or denial?
Four fields. A VA-accredited claims agent reviews it and responds within 3–5 business days. Contingent fees apply only to awarded past-due benefits on appeals — never on initial claims.
Requesting a consultation does not create representation and is not a guarantee of any outcome. Representation begins only after a written fee agreement and VA Form 21-22a are signed.
Educational content only — not legal advice and not medical advice. Rating criteria on this page are summarized in plain English from 38 CFR Part 4; consult VA.gov or the current Code of Federal Regulations for official criteria. This page provides general education about how the VA rates this condition; it is not individualized advice, does not establish a representation relationship, and should not be used to self-diagnose, self-treat, or decide a course of action without speaking to a qualified clinician and a VA-accredited representative. Outcomes depend on each veteran's individual facts, evidence, and the adjudicator's judgment; no specific rating, effective date, or other result is guaranteed. Oakridge Claims is a private business and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the US Department of Veterans Affairs.