38 CFR Part 4 — 38 CFR § 4.114

Hernia Including Femoral Inguinal Umbilical Ventral Incisional And Other But Not Including Hiatal

dc-7338-hernia-including-femoral-inguinal-umbilical-ventral-incisional-and-other-but-not-including-hiatal

Digestive

Diagnostic code

7338

Why your DC matters: DC 7338 is the exact code the VA uses to rate this condition. It determines which symptoms unlock which percentage, what evidence the rater looks for, and which secondaries are most likely to be approved.

Last verified against 38 CFR (eCFR Part 4): April 2, 2026

Rating criteria (38 CFR Part 4)

Diagnostic code 7338 — Hernia Including Femoral Inguinal Umbilical Ventral Incisional And Other But Not Including Hiatal — is listed under 38 CFR § 4.114 in 38 CFR Part 4. The paragraphs below summarize how this code is used; the official schedule text controls exact percentages, formulas, and notes.

Schedule summary (educational, not a substitute for the regulation): Educational index row from the rating schedule naming convention; confirm exact diagnostic code, effective date, and criteria in the current eCFR Part 4.

Exact rating criteria: Open Part 4 in the eCFR (link under “Official source” below). Locate your diagnostic code number (7338) in the correct body-system subpart, or use Find in Page (Ctrl+F / ⌘F) for “7338”. Copy the verbatim rating table, including any parenthetical notes, exceptions, and cross-references, for the version of Part 4 that applies to your effective date.

Effective dates & which schedule version applies

Which diagnostic code, percentage, and effective date apply depends on the facts of your claim and the version of the rating schedule in force for the period being decided. Generally, VA applies the schedule in effect at the specified time under 38 U.S.C. § 5110 and implementing rules, subject to exceptions (e.g., protected ratings, liberalizing law changes—see regulation and VA manual policy as applicable).

For older claims, the **current** eCFR may not match the text that applied years ago. If your decision references a prior percentage or code, compare against the Part 4 text **as of** your claim’s relevant dates; historical Federal Register / CFR snapshots may be needed for precise comparison.

The “Last verified” date on this page is when we last checked this educational summary against the electronic CFR—not the date of any VA policy or your personal claim decision.

Notes for your claim

Evidence: Show that your diagnosis and severity match the factors the schedule names for DC 7338 (e.g., measurements, frequency, treatment, functional loss), with medical and lay evidence as appropriate.

C&P exams: Results should reflect the schedule’s requirements (correct joints measured, correct formulas). If the exam omits required findings, consider submitting records or requesting clarification.

If you disagree with the DC, percentage, or effective date, review the Part 4 text for your period and consider a supplemental claim or appeal with a VA-accredited representative.

This site does not provide legal advice.

Official source

38 CFR Part 4 (eCFR) — locate diagnostic code 7338 in the subpart for your body system (use Find in Page if needed).

Inguinal hernia ratings under DC 7338 hinge on three factors: recurrence after surgical repair, truss support, and operability. Veterans regularly get denied as 'operable' — even when prior surgical repair has already failed. The 30% rating exists specifically for recurrent post-operative hernias requiring truss support, and many veterans never claim it.

Rating Tiers — What Each Percentage Requires

Rating	What It Takes	Evidence That Supports It
60%	Large, postoperative recurrent, not well supported under ordinary conditions, and not readily reducible, when considered inoperable.	Surgical history showing multiple failed repairs; surgeon's note declaring inoperable status.
30%	Small, postoperative recurrent, OR unoperated irremediable, not well supported by truss, OR not readily reducible.	Surgical history showing at least one repair + recurrence; provider note documenting truss use and inadequacy.
10%	Postoperative recurrent, readily reducible, well supported by truss or belt.	Surgical history + current Rx for truss + provider note that truss controls the hernia.
0%	Small, reducible, or without true hernia protrusion. Or inguinal hernia not operated, but remediable.	Asymptomatic presentation; surgeon-clearable status.

What Qualifies as Inguinal Hernia Under DC 7338?

Diagnosis of inguinal hernia

Direct or indirect inguinal hernia confirmed on exam or imaging. Bilateral hernias rate separately and combine with bilateral factor.

Rating drives on recurrence + truss + reducibility

DC 7338 tiers:

• 0% — small, reducible, or unoperated remediable
• 10% — postoperative recurrent, readily reducible, well-supported by truss
• 30% — small recurrent OR unoperated irremediable, not well-supported by truss
• 60% — large recurrent, not well-supported, not readily reducible, considered inoperable

Language Your Rater Needs to See

These are the exact (or near-exact) regulatory phrases that unlock specific tiers. If your DBQ or C&P report doesn't use this vocabulary, the rater may default to a lower percentage even when symptoms qualify.

30%

“Postoperative, recurrent, not well supported by truss”

The 30% gate. Even one prior repair followed by recurrence + truss use that doesn't fully control = 30%. Get the surgeon to chart 'recurrence post-repair' and 'truss inadequately supports.'

60%

“Considered inoperable”

Surgeon's note declaring further surgical intervention contraindicated — typically due to massive size, multiple failed repairs, or comorbidities. Hard rating to reach but enormously valuable when documented.

All tiers

“Readily reducible vs. irreducible”

'Reducible' = pushes back in. 'Irreducible' = stays out. Irreducible is automatically higher tier — and a surgical emergency if it strangulates.

Evidence Checklist — Specific to This Condition

Surgical history with operative reports

CRITICAL

Date and nature of every prior hernia repair. Mesh used, recurrence dates. This is THE document that proves DC 7338 30%/60% tiers.

Current imaging (ultrasound or CT)

CRITICAL

Confirms current presence/size of hernia even after repair. Many recurrences are subclinical until imaged.

Truss prescription

IMPORTANT

Current truss/belt Rx + provider note that the truss is needed and/or doesn't fully control symptoms.

Pain/activity-limitation log

Symptoms that occur with lifting, straining, prolonged standing. Drives the functional-impact narrative for TDIU consideration.

C&P Exam Tips

✓

Stand and bear down (Valsalva) during the exam

Inguinal hernias often retract supine. Standing + Valsalva makes the bulge obvious. Insist the examiner palpate while you bear down.

✓

Bring imaging from outside providers

Civilian US/CT showing hernia recurrence outweighs an in-person exam that 'didn't feel a bulge.'

❌

Don't downplay symptoms during the exam

'It only bothers me when I lift heavy stuff' tanks your rating. Describe the daily limits — what you CAN'T do because of the hernia.

✓

Bring your truss to the exam

Show the examiner the actual device. Document how often you wear it and what symptoms remain.

Common Mistakes That Cost Veterans Points

Accepting 0% denial because 'operable'

Operability alone doesn't bar a rating. If you have a prior repair + recurrence, you're at 10% minimum and likely 30%.

Not claiming after second/third recurrence

Each recurrence resets the rating analysis. Multiple failed repairs strengthen the 30%/60% case.

Filing as 'abdominal pain' instead of 'inguinal hernia'

Generic pain claims don't trigger DC 7338. Use the specific term and reference the DC.

Tactical Plays

⚡ Recurrence after repair = 30% — most veterans miss this

If you've had a hernia repair and the bulge came back (even small), DC 7338 awards 30% for 'postoperative, recurrent, not well supported by truss.' The recurrence does NOT need to be massive — just documented and not fully controlled by the truss.

⚡ Don't accept denial on 'operability' grounds

VA cannot deny a rating just because surgery is theoretically possible. The standard is whether you currently have a hernia + how it functions, not whether surgery could fix it.

⚡ Audit for the surgical-scar add-on

Every prior repair = a surgical scar. DC 7804 rates each painful/unstable scar separately. Most veterans never file this.

Secondary Conditions to File With This One

Surgical scar (painful/unstable)

STRONG

DC 7804

Every hernia repair leaves a scar. DC 7804 rates separately.

Chronic abdominal pain / nerve injury

MODERATE

DC 8530

Ilioinguinal nerve damage from repair is a documented complication; rate under DC 8530 (ilioinguinal nerve).

TOTAL

$552.47/mo

Bilateral hernias rate separately and combine with § 4.25 bilateral factor — often pushing combined rating higher than a single 30%.

Note: Amounts are approximations rounded to nearest dollar. Actual comp varies with effective date, dependents (spouse, children, parents — each adds), Aid & Attendance, and additional disabilities. Combined ratings use VA Math (§ 4.25), not simple addition.

Key Definitions

↔️What does 'Readily Reducible' mean?

The hernia bulge can be pushed back into the abdomen with manual pressure. Reducible = lower tier. Irreducible (stays protruded) = higher tier and surgical urgency if it strangulates.

🩹What is a 'Truss'?

A supportive belt or device worn externally to hold the hernia in place. VA recognizes truss use as ongoing treatment. Truss inadequacy supports the 30%+ tiers.

⛔When is a hernia 'Inoperable'?

Per surgical opinion, when further repair is contraindicated — typically due to massive size, multiple failed repairs, prohibitive comorbidities, or mesh complications. Triggers 60% rating.

How to File Your Claim

Pull every operative report for prior hernia repairs

Critical evidence. Each prior repair + recurrence builds the 30%/60% case.

Get current imaging (ultrasound or CT)

Confirms recurrence even if exam is equivocal. Many recurrences are radiologically visible before they're palpable.

File 21-526EZ specifying 'inguinal hernia (DC 7338)'

List bilateral separately. Add 'postoperative recurrent' if applicable.

Obtain truss prescription if symptomatic

Truss Rx + provider note that it inadequately controls = key evidence for 30%.

File scar + nerve secondaries

DC 7804 for painful surgical scar. DC 8530 if ilioinguinal neuralgia from repair.

Typical Claim Timeline

File initial claim

Day 0–7: Submit VA Form 21-526EZ with all medical evidence on file

VA acknowledges claim

Week 1–2: Receive confirmation letter and claim tracking number

C&P examination scheduled

Month 1–3: VA contracts an exam vendor and sends you appointment notice

Attend C&P exam

Bring your full evidence package; describe symptoms on your worst days, not your best

Decision & rating notice

Month 3–6: Decision letter with rating percentage and effective date

First payment & retro back pay

Within 15 days of decision; retroactive to claim date (or effective date if earlier)

Timeline varies by case complexity and VA regional office workload. Some claims resolve faster; others take longer.

Important Considerations

🎯

Recurrence after repair = 30% gate

Postoperative recurrence is the most overlooked path to 30%. Even a small recurrence + truss inadequacy qualifies.

🚫

Operability isn't a denial basis

VA cannot deny a rating just because more surgery is possible. The standard is current functional status, not surgical potential.

↔️

Bilateral hernias = bilateral factor

Each side rates separately, then § 4.25 bilateral factor adds 10% of the combined value. Don't let VA rate them as a single condition.

🔗

Audit for surgical-scar add-on

Every repair = DC 7804 scar opportunity. Most veterans miss it.

Related Tools & Resources

📋Evidence Checklist Generator

Build your evidence collection plan

🔗Secondary Condition Mapper

Find all potential secondary claims

📊Rating Estimator

Calculate your combined rating

💰SMC Guide

Understand Special Monthly Compensation

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a rating for a hernia that was 'successfully' repaired?

Only if it recurred or left chronic complications (pain, nerve injury, mesh-related issues). A truly asymptomatic post-repair status rates 0%. But many post-repair veterans have subclinical recurrences caught on imaging — pursue current ultrasound or CT.

Does VA require failed surgery for a 30% rating?

Not exactly. The 30% standard is 'postoperative recurrent, not well supported by truss' OR 'unoperated irremediable.' A recurrence after one repair + truss inadequacy qualifies.

Can I claim both sides separately?

Yes. Bilateral inguinal hernias rate as separate disabilities and combine with the § 4.25 bilateral factor (10% of the combined value added to the combined rating).

What if my hernia is asymptomatic but visible on exam?

Likely 0% rating unless symptomatic. But document any activity limitation — even occasional discomfort with heavy lifting can support a 10% rating with truss.

Is mesh-related chronic pain ratable?

Yes — under DC 8530 (ilioinguinal nerve) if neuralgia, DC 7804 if the scar is painful, or DC 7339 (ventral hernia) for related abdominal wall issues. Pursue each separately.

Official Regulatory Source

Inguinal hernia is rated under 38 CFR § 4.114, Diagnostic Code 7338.

38 CFR § 4.114 — Digestive System (eCFR) →

Scroll to DC 7338 for the full schedule. § 4.114 received major revisions effective May 2024 — most digestive DCs were renumbered, but DC 7338 was retained.

⚠️ Verify with a VSO

38 CFR § 4.114 was substantially restructured effective May 19, 2024. DC 7338 (inguinal hernia) was retained but some other digestive DCs were renumbered.

Next Steps

If your rating decision lists DC 7338, compare your current symptoms and documentation against the criteria above. Consider:

Requesting a copy of your rating decision and C&P exam report from the VA
Gathering all relevant medical records (VA and private providers)
Documenting functional limitations and how they impact work and daily activities
Obtaining a nexus letter if needed to establish or strengthen service connection
Filing for secondary conditions that may be related to this primary condition
Contacting a VA-accredited VSO, claims agent, or attorney to review your file

This is general educational information only — not legal or medical advice.

Also: DC code lookup (tools) lists the same index in a compact layout.

Source: 38 CFR Part 4, Diagnostic Code 7338 • va.gov

⚠️ Important Disclaimer

This page provides general educational information only based on public VA regulations (38 CFR) and va.gov resources. It is not legal, medical, or claims assistance. Ratings and service connections are decided case-by-case by the VA based on the individual veteran’s evidence. We do not prepare claims, generate documents, or provide personalized advice. Always consult a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), attorney, or your physician for help with your specific situation. Verify the latest rules on va.gov.