Inguinal Hernia
An inguinal hernia is tissue bulging through a weak spot in the groin wall. Since May 2024, DC 7338 covers all abdominal wall hernias (inguinal, femoral, umbilical, ventral, incisional - but not hiatal) and rates 0 to 100 percent based on whether the hernia is irreparable, its size, and pain during daily activities.
How the VA rates it
The May 19, 2024 revision completely rewrote hernia ratings. The old inguinal criteria (0/10/30/60 based on reducibility and truss support) are gone. Compensable ratings now require an irreparable hernia (new or recurrent) present for 12 months or more; the percentage then depends on size (under 3 cm, 3 to under 15 cm, or 15 cm and larger in one dimension) and how many listed activities cause pain (bending over, activities of daily living, walking, climbing stairs). A repairable or successfully repaired asymptomatic hernia is rated 0 percent.
Rating criteria by percentage
Rated up to 100%Irreparable hernia present 12 or more months, 15 cm or greater in one dimension, with pain during at least three of: bending over, activities of daily living, walking, and climbing stairs (all present 12+ months).
Irreparable hernia present 12 or more months, 15 cm or greater in one dimension, with pain during two of the four listed activities.
Irreparable hernia present 12 or more months, 3 cm or greater but less than 15 cm, with pain during at least two of the four listed activities.
Irreparable hernia present 12 or more months, 3 cm or greater but less than 15 cm, with pain during one of the four listed activities.
Irreparable hernia present 12 or more months, smaller than 3 cm.
Asymptomatic hernia that is repairable or has been repaired.
Secondary condition strategy
Commonly claimed secondary to this
Conditions veterans often develop from this one — each can be its own rating under 38 CFR 3.310.
- Ilioinguinal neuralgia — Chronic groin nerve pain or numbness after hernia repair is separately ratable under DC 8530 (ilioinguinal nerve).
Evidence that strengthens this claim
- The word 'irreparable' is the gate to every compensable tier - you need a surgical opinion stating the hernia cannot be (or should not be) repaired, or documentation of recurrence.
- Get the hernia measured and documented by imaging or exam; the 3 cm and 15 cm size thresholds drive the percentage.
- Describe specifically which activities cause pain - bending, bathing/dressing (ADLs), walking, stairs - in your statements and exams; each documented activity changes the tier.
- If your repair left chronic groin nerve pain or numbness, file that separately as ilioinguinal neuralgia (DC 8530) - it is not part of the hernia rating.
Rating rules to know
With two compensable inguinal hernias, VA rates the more severe one and adds 10 percent to that rating for the second (unless the first is already 100 percent). DC 7338 is not on the digestive no-combining list.
Related diagnostic codes
More digestive conditions
GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
GERD is chronic acid reflux from the stomach into the esophagus, causing heartburn, regurgitation, and sometimes difficulty swallowing. Since May 19, 2024 it has its own diagnostic code (7206) and is rated on esophageal stricture criteria - how badly documented narrowing of the esophagus affects swallowing and what treatment it requires.
Rated up to 80%
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS is a functional bowel disorder causing abdominal pain tied to bowel movements, with diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or urgency. Since the May 2024 revision it is rated 10, 20, or 30 percent based on how often pain related to defecation occurs.
Rated up to 30%
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum or anus that can bleed, prolapse, or form painful clots (thrombosis). Under the May 2024 criteria they are rated 10 or 20 percent based on bleeding with anemia, prolapse, and how many thrombosis episodes occur per year.
Rated up to 20%
Peptic Ulcer Disease
Peptic ulcer disease is open sores in the stomach or duodenum causing abdominal pain, nausea, and sometimes bleeding. The May 2024 revision consolidated the old separate gastric, duodenal, and marginal ulcer codes into a single DC 7304 rated on episode frequency, bleeding, and hospitalization.
Rated up to 100%
Gallbladder Disease (Chronic Biliary Tract Disease)
Chronic gallbladder and biliary tract disease causes recurring attacks of right-upper-abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting. Since May 2024, DC 7314 covers chronic biliary tract disease broadly and rates 0, 10, or 30 percent based on documented attack frequency over the past 12 months.
Rated up to 30%
Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is inflammation or infection of small pouches (diverticula) in the colon wall, causing attacks of abdominal pain, fever, and elevated white counts. Since May 2024, DC 7327 has its own criteria rated 0, 20, or 30 percent based on hospitalizations and complications.
Rated up to 30%
Disclaimer: Valor Rating is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Always review your documents carefully before submitting to the VA. For official guidance, consult an accredited VSO, claims agent, or attorney.