Secondary Condition Claim · VASRD 7338
Inguinal Hernia Secondary to Impairment of the Thigh (Adduction/Rotation)
A condition caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability can be granted its own service connection as a secondary condition under 38 CFR § 3.310. Here's how that works for Inguinal Hernia when it develops after Impairment of the Thigh (Adduction/Rotation).
Why Inguinal Hernia Is Linked to Impairment of the Thigh (Adduction/Rotation)
Compensatory movement can strain nearby muscles.
Primary condition · VASRD 5253
Impairment of the Thigh (Adduction/Rotation)
Adduction and rotation limits in the thigh/hip reduce leg coordination and balance.
Secondary condition · VASRD 7338
Inguinal Hernia
An inguinal hernia occurs when tissue, often part of the intestine, pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall near the groin, creating a visible or palpable bulge that can be painful, especially with lifting or straining. The VA rating depends heavily on whether the hernia has recurred after surgery and how well it's controlled with support.
Inguinal Hernia VA Rating Tiers
The VA rates Inguinal Hernia the same way whether it's claimed directly or as secondary to Impairment of the Thigh (Adduction/Rotation) — severity of Inguinal Hernia itself determines the percentage.
Example combined rating
10% Impairment of the Thigh (Adduction/Rotation) + 10% Inguinal Hernia = 19%
The VA combines ratings with Table I of 38 CFR 4.25, not simple addition — 10% and 10% combine to 19%, not 20%. These figures are illustrative; your actual rating for each condition depends on your own evaluation.
Evidence for a Inguinal Hernia Secondary Claim
- •Surgical records documenting any hernia repair and, if applicable, its recurrence.
- •A physical exam specifically noting the protrusion, its size, and whether it's reducible.
- •Documentation of truss or support belt use and how well it controls the hernia.
Common questions about Inguinal Hernia secondary to Impairment of the Thigh (Adduction/Rotation)
- Can Inguinal Hernia be service-connected as secondary to Impairment of the Thigh (Adduction/Rotation)?
- Yes. Under 38 CFR § 3.310, a condition that is caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability can be granted secondary service connection. Compensatory movement can strain nearby muscles. You'll need a current Inguinal Hernia diagnosis and a medical nexus opinion linking it to your service-connected I…
- What VA rating can I get for Inguinal Hernia as a secondary condition?
- Inguinal Hernia is rated under VASRD diagnostic code 7338 using the same criteria whether it's a direct or secondary claim: possible ratings are 30%, 10%, 0%. The rating depends on the severity of Inguinal Hernia itself, not on the severity of Impairment of the Thigh (Adduction/Rotation).
- How does a secondary Inguinal Hernia claim affect my combined VA rating?
- The VA doesn't add ratings together. Using the official combined-ratings formula (38 CFR 4.25): a 10% rating for Impairment of the Thigh (Adduction/Rotation) combined with a 10% rating for Inguinal Hernia (example figures) produces a combined rating of 19%, not 20%. Approving Inguinal Hernia as secondary still typical…
- What evidence do I need to service-connect Inguinal Hernia as secondary to Impairment of the Thigh (Adduction/Rotation)?
- Strong evidence for the underlying Inguinal Hernia diagnosis includes: Surgical records documenting any hernia repair and, if applicable, its recurrence.; A physical exam specifically noting the protrusion, its size, and whether it's reducible.; Documentation of truss or support belt use and how well it controls the h…
Primary condition
Full Impairment of the Thigh (Adduction/Rotation) guide
Secondary condition
Full Inguinal Hernia guide
Estimate your combined rating
See how Impairment of the Thigh (Adduction/Rotation) and Inguinal Hernia combine with the rest of your service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.
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