VASRD 7338 · Digestive System

Inguinal Hernia VA Disability Rating

A bulge or pain in the groin area due to weak abdominal muscles.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
30%Big hernia that's hard to push back
10%Came back after surgery but manageable
0%Minor or fixed hernia

How the VA Evaluates Inguinal Hernia

Surgical history, clinical exams, and hernia size and recurrence.

Approval rate

Moderate – better with post-surgical recurrence or pain.

Annual service-connected

120,000 veterans

Average rating

10%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • Surgical records
  • Physical exam showing protrusion
  • Use of truss or belt noted

Strategy Tips

  • Show recurrence post-surgery
  • Mention use of truss or limits lifting
  • Describe flare-ups or physical discomfort

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • No proof of recurrence
  • Minimizing symptoms during exam

Common Filing Mistakes

  • Only listing surgery without symptoms
  • No mention of physical limitations

Onset Patterns

  • Can be sudden or develop over time
  • Worsens with lifting or straining

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Inguinal Hernia. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Abdominal Pain

    Stretching tissues and nerves

  • Scar Tissue

    Surgical repair may cause adhesions

Common questions about Inguinal Hernia

Is Inguinal Hernia a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Inguinal Hernia under VASRD diagnostic code 7338 (Digestive System). A bulge or pain in the groin area due to weak abdominal muscles.
What VA disability rating can I get for Inguinal Hernia?
Possible VA ratings for Inguinal Hernia are 30%, 10%, 0%. Examples: 30% — Big hernia that's hard to push back; 10% — Came back after surgery but manageable; 0% — Minor or fixed hernia.
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Inguinal Hernia?
The average awarded rating for Inguinal Hernia is 10%. Roughly 120,000 veterans are service-connected for Inguinal Hernia each year. Typical approval likelihood: Moderate – better with post-surgical recurrence or pain..
What evidence helps prove Inguinal Hernia for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Inguinal Hernia claim includes: Surgical records; Physical exam showing protrusion; Use of truss or belt noted.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Inguinal Hernia?
Common pitfalls when filing for Inguinal Hernia: Only listing surgery without symptoms; No mention of physical limitations.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Inguinal Hernia?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Inguinal Hernia include: Abdominal Pain, Scar Tissue. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Inguinal Hernia combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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