VASRD 7339 · Digestive System

Ventral Hernia VA Disability Rating

A bulge through the abdominal wall, often after surgery or strain.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
100%Huge and weak abdomen, major impact
40%Big bulge that’s not controlled by support
20%Noticeable bulge with some weakness
0%Fixed or not painful

How the VA Evaluates Ventral Hernia

Physical findings of bulge, surgical repair history, pain with exertion.

Approval rate

Moderate to high – especially for post-surgical or recurring cases.

Annual service-connected

100,000 veterans

Average rating

20%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • Surgery records with recurrence details
  • Abdominal wall imaging (CT or ultrasound)
  • Photos or physician description of size

Strategy Tips

  • Show evidence of size and impact
  • Mention use of support belts or lifting restrictions
  • Connect to prior abdominal surgeries

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • Only referencing past surgery without active issue
  • Failing to mention exertion pain

Common Filing Mistakes

  • No evidence of bulge or complications
  • Just listing 'hernia repair' with no symptoms

Onset Patterns

  • Usually forms after abdominal surgery
  • Can develop over time with abdominal stress

Secondary Conditions

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

  • Abdominal Pain

    Stretch and pressure on tissue

  • Infection Risk

    Surgical site may be vulnerable

Common questions about Ventral Hernia

Is Ventral Hernia a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Ventral Hernia under VASRD diagnostic code 7339 (Digestive System). A bulge through the abdominal wall, often after surgery or strain.
What VA disability rating can I get for Ventral Hernia?
Possible VA ratings for Ventral Hernia are 100%, 40%, 20%, 0%. Examples: 100% — Huge and weak abdomen, major impact; 40% — Big bulge that’s not controlled by support; 20% — Noticeable bulge with some weakness.
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Ventral Hernia?
The average awarded rating for Ventral Hernia is 20%. Roughly 100,000 veterans are service-connected for Ventral Hernia each year. Typical approval likelihood: Moderate to high – especially for post-surgical or recurring cases..
What evidence helps prove Ventral Hernia for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Ventral Hernia claim includes: Surgery records with recurrence details; Abdominal wall imaging (CT or ultrasound); Photos or physician description of size.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Ventral Hernia?
Common pitfalls when filing for Ventral Hernia: No evidence of bulge or complications; Just listing 'hernia repair' with no symptoms.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Ventral Hernia?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Ventral Hernia include: Abdominal Pain, Infection Risk. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

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

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