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Evidence checklist

Hiatal Hernia

DC 734638 CFR § 4.114Digestive

Evidence strength

Mark what you already have below and your evidence strength appears here.

Target
Saved locally
01

Specialist opinion

Highest value0 of 2 collected
Upper GI barium series or endoscopy confirming hernia and any strictureCritical

Barium swallow, upper GI series, or upper endoscopy (EGD) report confirming the hiatal hernia and, critically, documenting any esophageal stricture (narrowing) — the basis of the DC 7203 rating.

Private provider · independent opinion
Nexus opinion linking hiatal hernia to service ("at least as likely as not")Critical

A medical opinion connecting the hiatal hernia to service-related heavy lifting, abdominal trauma, chronic coughing, or stress-related GERD during service.

Private provider · independent opinion
02

Treatment records

0 of 1 collected
Treatment records (medications, dilations, stent, or surgery)

Records documenting PPI/H2-blocker therapy, and any esophageal dilations (how many per year, and whether steroids were used), stent placement, or surgical repair (laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication, stricture repair) — dilation frequency drives the 30% and 50% levels under DC 7203.

VA or private records · written request
03

Lay statements

0 of 3 collected
Symptom diary (heartburn, regurgitation, dysphagia, bloating)

Personal log documenting symptom frequency, severity, and impact on eating — particularly symptoms not controlled by medication.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
Buddy statement from spouse, family, or fellow service member

A written statement from someone who can describe observable symptoms and how your condition affects daily life.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
Personal statement describing symptoms and functional impact

Your own written account of how this condition affects your daily activities, work, and relationships. Describe your worst days.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
04

Benefits questionnaire

0 of 1 collected
Completed DBQ Esophageal ConditionsCritical

Standardized form capturing hernia type, reflux severity, dysphagia, weight impact, and treatment requirements.

Provider-completed · VA DBQ formHow to get this →
05

Service records

0 of 1 collected
Service treatment records (STRs)Critical

Military medical records showing in-service treatment, complaints, or injuries related to this condition.

NPRC / milConnect · SF-180

What you mark here is saved in this browser, on this device only — not to an account. Changing the target rating shows different items, but never loses what you have already marked.