Evidence checklist

Inguinal Hernia

DC 733838 CFR § 4.114Digestive

Evidence strength

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

Target

Saved locally

Specialist opinion

Highest value

Physical examination documenting hernia presence, reducibility, and symptomsCritical

Clinical examination documenting inguinal hernia location (direct vs. indirect), laterality (unilateral vs. bilateral), reducibility, and symptoms during Valsalva maneuver, coughing, or heavy lifting.

Private provider · independent opinion

Nexus opinion linking inguinal hernia to service ("at least as likely as not")Critical

A medical opinion connecting the hernia to service-related heavy lifting, physical exertion during training, sudden increase in abdominal pressure, or in-service intraabdominal events.

Private provider · independent opinion

Treating physician

Chronic post-herniorrhaphy pain documentation (if applicable)

Medical records documenting persistent inguinal pain, mesh-related pain, or nerve entrapment syndrome following hernia repair — chronic pain may support a higher rating than the hernia itself.

Your treating provider · written request

Treatment records

Ultrasound or CT of inguinal region confirming hernia

Ultrasound or CT documenting hernia sac, contents, defect size, and reducibility — particularly useful for occult or small hernias not clearly palpable on examination.

VA or private records · written request

Surgical records for hernia repair (herniorrhaphy or mesh repair)

Operative reports documenting open or laparoscopic repair (Lichtenstein, TEP, TAPP), mesh type, bilateral repair, and post-operative complications including recurrence.

VA or private records · written request

Lay statements

Documentation of impact on work and physical activity

Personal statement or employer documentation showing inability to perform heavy lifting, physical labor, or strenuous activity due to the hernia — relevant for employability and functional impairment ratings.

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 →

Benefits questionnaire

Completed DBQ Hernia ConditionsCritical

Standardized form capturing hernia type and location, reducibility, repair history, and functional limitations from hernia or surgical residuals.

Provider-completed · VA DBQ formHow to get this →

Service records

Service treatment records (STRs)Critical

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

NPRC / milConnect · SF-180

Condition guideRating criteria and what VA looks for C&P exam prepWhat the examiner will ask Buddy statement builderGuided VA Form 21-10210

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.