VASRD 5326 · Musculoskeletal System

Muscle Hernia VA Disability Rating

A bulge of muscle through a tear or weakness in surrounding tissue, usually from trauma or strain.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
10%Painful, visible bulge
0%No daily symptoms

How the VA Evaluates Muscle Hernia

Visual exam, MRI or ultrasound, injury documentation, pain level.

Approval rate

Low (~25%) unless well-documented

Annual service-connected

3,800 veterans

Average rating

10%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •Imaging (ultrasound/MRI)
  • •Orthopedic or surgical consult
  • •Medical record of injury

Strategy Tips

  • •Include MRI or ultrasound with diagnosis
  • •Explain functional limitations caused by hernia
  • •Tie to specific in-service incident

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Misclassified as soft tissue strain
  • •Lack of visible hernia on exam

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Vague injury history
  • •No imaging confirmation

Onset Patterns

  • •Post-trauma, heavy lifting, or surgery

Secondary Conditions

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

  • Mobility Impairment

    Weak muscle region

  • Chronic Pain

    Irritation of tissues around hernia

Common Among These Military Jobs

Military occupational specialties (MOS) where Muscle Hernia is frequently claimed.

Marines6312Fixed Wing Aircraft Power Plant Mechanic T-56Marines6314Fixed Wing Aircraft Power Plant Mechanic F-402Marines6316Fixed Wing Aircraft Power Plant Mechanic F-404Marines6322Fixed Wing Aircraft Power Plant Mechanic T-76Marines6332Fixed Wing Aircraft Power Plant Mechanic J-85Marines6531Aviation Ordnance TechnicianMarines6541Aviation Ordnance Systems TechnicianMarines6591Aviation Ordnance ChiefMarines6694Aviation Safety Equipment MechanicMarines7051Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting SpecialistMarines7212Low Altitude Air Defense Gunner

Common questions about Muscle Hernia

Is Muscle Hernia a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Muscle Hernia under VASRD diagnostic code 5326 (Musculoskeletal System). A bulge of muscle through a tear or weakness in surrounding tissue, usually from trauma or strain.
What VA disability rating can I get for Muscle Hernia?
Possible VA ratings for Muscle Hernia are 10%, 0%. Examples: 10% — Painful, visible bulge; 0% — No daily symptoms.
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Muscle Hernia?
The average awarded rating for Muscle Hernia is 10%. Roughly 3,800 veterans are service-connected for Muscle Hernia each year. Typical approval likelihood: Low (~25%) unless well-documented.
What evidence helps prove Muscle Hernia for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Muscle Hernia claim includes: Imaging (ultrasound/MRI); Orthopedic or surgical consult; Medical record of injury.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Muscle Hernia?
Common pitfalls when filing for Muscle Hernia: Vague injury history; No imaging confirmation.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Muscle Hernia?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Muscle Hernia include: Mobility Impairment, Chronic Pain. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

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

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