Conditions / Digestive
38 CFR 4.114, diagnostic code 7338 · checked 2026-10-20
VA rating for Hernia (inguinal, ventral, umbilical)
VA rates Hernia (inguinal, ventral, umbilical) under diagnostic code 7338 (Hernia, including femoral, inguinal, umbilical, ventral, incisional and other (excluding hiatal)) at 6 levels from 0% to 100%. The lowest paid level, 10%, is worth $180.42 a month and the highest, 100%, $3,938.58 to a veteran alone at the rates effective December 1, 2025.
- 1Diagnostic code DC 7338
- 2Highest level 100% · $3,938.58
- 3Lowest paid level 10% · $180.42
Rating criteria for DC 7338
| Rating | What the schedule requires |
|---|---|
| 100% | Irreparable hernia present for 12 months or more, 15 cm or more in at least one dimension, with pain during at least three of: bending over, activities of daily living, walking, climbing stairs. |
| 60% | Irreparable hernia present 12 months or more, 15 cm or more in one dimension, with pain during two of those activities. |
| 30% | Irreparable hernia present 12 months or more, 3 cm to less than 15 cm in one dimension, with pain during at least two of those activities. |
| 20% | Irreparable hernia present 12 months or more, 3 cm to less than 15 cm, with pain during one of those activities. |
| 10% | Irreparable hernia present 12 months or more, less than 3 cm. |
| 0% | Asymptomatic hernia, whether or not repairable, or repaired. |
Summarized from eCFR, 38 CFR 4.114 Schedule of ratings, digestive system, diagnostic code 7338, checked 2026-10-20. The regulation's own wording governs.
Notes in the schedule
- With two compensable inguinal hernias, the more disabling one is rated and 10% is added, unless the primary rating is already 100%.
- Any one of bathing, dressing, hygiene or transfers satisfies the activities-of-daily-living criterion.
What each level pays
| Level | Alone | With spouse | With tinnitus 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100% | $3,938.58 | $4,158.17 | 100 → 100% |
| 60% | $1,435.02 | $1,566.02 | 64 → 60% |
| 30% | $552.47 | $617.47 | 37 → 40% |
| 20% | $356.66 | $356.66 | 28 → 30% |
| 10% | $180.42 | $180.42 | 19 → 20% |
| 0% | $0.00 | $0.00 | 10 → 10% |
3 of the 5 compensable levels are 30% or higher, where dependents raise the payment; below that the rate is flat. A 0% level means the condition is service connected but not compensable: it pays nothing by itself, yet it is on record if it worsens. The spread from the lowest paid level to the highest is $3,758.16 a month. The last column shows the combined rating if this condition is joined by a 10% tinnitus rating.
How this rating fits a claim
The top level, 100%, is at or above the 60% that 38 CFR 4.16(a) sets for a single disability to qualify for consideration of a total rating based on unemployability. A rating under DC 7338 is combined with every other rating by Table I, never added; the calculator shows the result with your other ratings and dependents.
The rating is set from the evidence at the time of the decision, usually including a VA examination. If the condition has worsened since, VA accepts a claim for an increase on VA Form 21-526EZ; see how to request an increase.
Related conditions
- GERD (acid reflux) (DC 7206)
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (DC 7319)
- Hemorrhoids (DC 7336)
Pay at the top level: 100% VA pay. At the lowest paid level: 10% VA pay.
Rating Ledger is not part of VA and does not file or decide claims. Amounts are VA's published monthly rates effective December 1, 2025 for a veteran, before any deduction or special monthly compensation; ratings follow 38 CFR 4.25 and 38 CFR 4.26 and 38 CFR 4.114, diagnostic code 7338. Last checked 2026-10-20. Only a VA rating decision sets a rating or a payment. See the methodology.