Ventral Hernia (Incisional)

DC 7339Digestive38 CFR 4.114, DC 7339

A bulge through a weakened area of the abdominal wall, often occurring at the site of a previous surgical incision. The VA rates based on the size of the hernia and how well it is supported.

Rating Levels

Your ventral hernia is massive and persistent, with severe diastasis of the recti muscles or extensive diffuse destruction or weakening of the muscular and fascial support of the abdominal wall, making it inoperable.

What the VA looks for

Massive persistent ventral hernia documented
Severe diastasis of recti muscles on examination
Extensive destruction of abdominal wall support
Deemed inoperable by surgical evaluation
Significant functional limitations documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the size and location of the hernia defect with imaging.
⚠Not reporting whether a support belt is needed and whether it adequately contains the hernia.
⚠Not connecting to in-service abdominal surgery or injuries that weakened the abdominal wall.
⚠Not filing for the surgical scar as a separate condition if it is painful or unstable.

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…