This reference uses VA rating codes. For a code from a medical record, check ICD-10-CM and the service date. A clinical code alone does not establish a VA rating or a matching VA diagnostic code.
Hernia, including femoral, inguinal, umbilical, ventral, incisional, and other (but not including hiatal)
Digestive · 38 CFR § 4.114
Diagnostic Code 7338 is the VASRD entry for Hernia, including femoral, inguinal, umbilical, ventral, incisional, and other (but not including hiatal). VA applies the controlling criteria, shared formulas, and special instructions shown in 38 CFR Part 4. VMC presents this material for education and reference; it does not determine a Veteran's diagnosis, service connection, or evaluation.
Recorded index labels
These labels are already stored for this diagnostic code. They are not a new condition, rating, or medical relationship.
Appendix C
- Femoral, inguinal, umbilical, ventral, incisional, and other
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Source-verified VASRD criteria
How VA rates this diagnostic code
These percentages summarize the regulatory criteria already mapped to this diagnostic code. They do not predict a Veteran's individual evaluation or establish service connection.
2. Pain when performing at least three of the following activities: (1) bending over, (2) activities of daily living (ADLs), (3) walking, and (4) climbing stairs
2. Pain when performing two of the following activities: (1) bending over, (2) activities of daily living (ADLs), (3) walking, and (4) climbing stairs
2. Pain when performing at least two of the following activities: (1) bending over, (2) activities of daily living (ADLs), (3) walking, and (4) climbing stairs
2. Pain when performing one of the following activities: (1) bending over, (2) activities of daily living (ADLs), (3) walking, and (4) climbing stairs
Irreparable hernia (new or recurrent) present for 12 months or more; with hernia size smaller than 3 cm
Asymptomatic hernia; present and repairable, or repaired
Special rating instructions
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
Regulatory notes
- Note (1): With two compensable inguinal hernias, evaluate the more severely disabling hernia first, and then add 10% to that rating to account for the second compensable hernia. Do not add 10% to that rating if the more severely disabling hernia is rated at 100%.
- Note (2): Any one of the following activities of daily living are sufficient for evaluation: bathing, dressing, hygiene, and/or transfers.
Body system and anatomy metadata
Body system: Digestive
Anatomy / region tags: digestive system
These tags support discovery and body-map compatibility. They do not establish Veteran-specific laterality or entitlement.
Official VA DBQ references
DBQ catalog: va-dbq-2026.09.16 · Retrieved 2026-09-16. Official VA inventory ↗
- Esophageal Disorders ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Gastrointestinal
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
- Gallbladder ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Gastrointestinal
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
- Hernias (Including Abdominal, Inguinal and Femoral Hernias) ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Gastrointestinal
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
- Intestinal Conditions ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Gastrointestinal
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
- Liver Conditions ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Gastrointestinal
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
- Pancreas ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Gastrointestinal
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
- Peritoneal Adhesions ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Gastrointestinal
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
- Rectum & Anus ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Gastrointestinal
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
- Stomach and Duodenum ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Gastrointestinal
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
VA maintains some examination forms that are not available for public use. VMC does not infer a one-code-to-one-DBQ relationship.
Evidence information
When reviewing the criteria, useful evidence categories can include diagnosis and treatment records, objective testing identified by the schedule, documented frequency/duration/severity when the criteria use those concepts, and functional effects described in medical or lay evidence. The relevant evidence depends on the actual claim and medical facts.
VMC does not diagnose conditions, guarantee a percentage, or advise anyone to exaggerate symptoms.
Legal basis and source identification
38 CFR § 4.114 · Source current through 2026-08-06 · Verified 2026-08-10
Registry content release: vasrd-registry-2026.08.1