Inguinal Hernia

DC 7338Digestive38 CFR 4.114, DC 7338

A bulge in the groin area where tissue pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall. The VA rates based on the size, whether it has recurred after surgery, and whether it can be pushed back in (reduced).

Rating Levels

Your inguinal hernia is large, has recurred after surgery, is not well supported under ordinary conditions, is not readily reducible, and is considered inoperable.

What the VA looks for

Large postoperative recurrent hernia documented
Not well supported under ordinary conditions
Not readily reducible on examination
Considered inoperable by surgical evaluation

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting recurrence after surgical repair — higher ratings require postoperative recurrence.
⚠Not reporting whether the hernia is reducible or irreducible.
⚠Not documenting whether a truss or belt is needed and whether it adequately supports the hernia.
⚠If the hernia was caused or aggravated by heavy lifting during military service, document the service connection.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Hernia Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…