★ Digestive
Inguinal Hernia VA Rating
38 CFR § 4.114, Diagnostic Code 7338
Overview
Small, reducible hernias may be rated 0%.
Recurrent hernia after surgery — particularly when not well-supported — qualifies for higher ratings.
Bilateral inguinal hernia may be rated separately or with the bilateral factor.
How to Establish Service Connection
- Direct: documented in-service onset (lifting, hernia diagnosis).
- Aggravation of pre-existing hernia by service.
Rating Criteria
Paraphrased from 38 CFR § 4.114, Diagnostic Code 7338
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Small, reducible, or without true hernia protrusion; not operated and remediable. |
| 10% | Post-operative recurrent, readily reducible and well supported by truss or belt. |
| 30% | Small, post-operative recurrent or unoperated irremediable, not well supported by truss; or not readily reducible. |
| 60% | Large, post-operative, recurrent, not well supported under ordinary conditions and not readily reducible, when considered inoperable. |
See what each percentage pays in 2026 and how it combines with your current rating →
Evidence Checklist
- Surgical reports.
- Examination findings (size, reducibility, recurrence).
- Documentation of truss use.
Common Secondary Conditions
Conditions frequently service-connected as secondary to Inguinal Hernia:
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a Inguinal 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.