Hernias and VA Disability Benefits
CCK Law: Our Vital Role in Veterans Law
Hernias, or complications from hernia surgery, may render a veteran eligible for VA disability benefits. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes certain types of hernias as potentially service-connected conditions, especially when caused or worsened by physical strain during military service.
Receiving a hernia VA rating can positively impact a veteran’s life, so understanding how VA views these conditions is an important step toward getting the support and care they deserve.
In this article, CCK Law will discuss:
- What hernias are
- Establishing service connection with a hernia
- Hernia VA disability ratings
- And more
What Is a Hernia?
A hernia occurs when an organ pushes through an opening in the muscle or tissue that holds it in place. Many hernias occur in the abdomen between your chest and hips, but they can also appear in the upper part of the thigh and groin areas.
One of the most common types of hernia is an inguinal hernia, which occurs when tissue (e.g., part of the intestine) protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles.
Signs and symptoms of a hernia include the following:
- A bulge or lump in the affected area that is more noticeable when upright
- A burning or aching sensation at the bulge
- Pain or discomfort when bending over, coughing, or lifting
- A heavy or dragging sensation
- Weakness or pressure
- Occasionally, swelling around the bulge
Hernias are typically due to a combination of muscle weakness and strain. Depending on the cause, hernias can develop quickly or over an extended period. Hernias can worsen over time, too.
Common causes of muscle weakness or strain that can lead to a hernia include:
- A congenital condition that occurs during development in the womb and is present from birth
- Aging
- Damage from an injury or surgery
- Chronic coughing or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD)
- Strenuous exercise or lifting heavy weights
- Pregnancy
- Constipation
- Being overweight or obese
Importantly, many veterans suffer from hernias that are related to previous injuries or the strenuous nature of their service. If a veteran can prove to VA that their hernia is due to their time in service, they may be eligible for VA disability benefits.
VA Service Connection for Hernias
To receive VA disability compensation for hernias, veterans must establish service connection.
The most common type of service connection is direct service connection, which is made up of three elements:
- A current diagnosis of a hernia;
- An in-service event, injury, or illness; and
- A medical nexus linking the current, diagnosed hernia to the in-service event, injury, or illness.
To establish a direct service connection, veterans should consider submitting arguments and evidence in support of their hernia claims. Examples of evidence may include service and medical personnel records, lay statements, and private doctors’ opinions.
If a veteran believes their hernia was caused or aggravated by another service-connected disability, they may be eligible for secondary service connection for their hernia. In this case, veterans will have to demonstrate that their primary service-connected condition is medically linked to their hernia. The abovementioned types of evidence may be beneficial in claims for secondary service connection as well.
How VA Rates a Hernia
The most common types of hernias involve the abdominal cavity and are rated under other codes according to the Digestive System rating schedule. These types of hernias include inguinal, femoral, ventral, and hiatal.
Hernias, with the exception of hiatal hernias, are rated under 38 CFR § 4.114, Schedule of Ratings – Digestive System, Diagnostic Code 7338. The rating criteria for this code are as follows:
- 100 percent – “Irreparable hernia (new or recurrent) present for 12 months or more; with both of the following present for 12 months or more: 1. Size equal to 15 cm or greater in one dimension; and 2. Pain when performing at least three of the following activities:
- bending over
- activities of daily living (ADLs)
- walking
- climbing stairs”
- 60 percent – “Irreparable hernia (new or recurrent) present for 12 months or more; with both of the following present for 12 months or more: 1. Size equal to 15 cm or greater in one dimension; and 2. Pain when performing two of the following activities:
- bending over
- activities of daily living (ADLs)
- walking
- climbing stairs”
- 30 percent – “Irreparable hernia (new or recurrent) present for 12 months or more; with both of the following present for 12 months or more: 1. Size equal to 3 cm or greater but less than 15 cm in one dimension; and 2. Pain when performing at least two of the following activities:
- bending over,
- activities of daily living (ADLs)
- walking
- climbing stairs”
- 20 percent – “Irreparable hernia (new or recurrent) present for 12 months or more; with both of the following present for 12 months or more: 1. Size equal to 3 cm or greater but less than 15 cm in one dimension; and 2. Pain when performing one of the following activities:
- bending over,
- activities of daily living (ADLs)
- walking
- climbing stairs”
- 10 percent – “Irreparable hernia (new or recurrent) present for 12 months or more; with hernia size smaller than 3 cm”
- 0 percent – “Asymptomatic hernia; present and repairable, or repaired”
How VA Rates Hiatal Hernias
As mentioned, VA rates hiatal hernias separately from other types. A veteran with a hiatal hernia will be rated under diagnostic code 7346, which covers both hiatal and paraesophageal hernias.
However, under this diagnostic code, a veteran would receive a hiatal hernia rating via diagnostic code 7203, “stricture of esophagus.”
Thus, a veteran can receive a hiatal hernia VA rating of 0, 10, 30, 50, or 80 percent.
As of 2025, the VA disability rate benefit amounts are as follows:
- 0 percent disability rating: $0.00 per month
- 10 percent disability rating: $175.51 per month
- 30 percent disability rating: $537.42 per month
- 50 percent disability rating: $1,102.04 per month
- 80 percent disability rating: $2,044.89 per month
Can You Receive TDIU for Hernias?
Getting a 100 percent VA disability rating for a hernia is rate, but it is possible through Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability, or TDIU.
A veteran may receive TDIU for a hernia if their condition severely impairs their ability to work. It is also possible if their hernia is secondary to another service-connected disability.
Call CCK Law Today
Getting VA disability for a hernia is possible if a veteran can establish service connection. However, VA may deny the initial claim. If you need help with your VA appeal for a hernia, or require assistance with your TDIU claim, then call CCK Law today for a free case evaluation with a member of our team.
