How the VA Rates Inguinal Hernia
The plain-English version of the 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7338 — Hernia, including femoral, inguinal, umbilical, ventral, incisional, and other (but not including hiatal) (as revised by 89 FR 19743, Mar. 20, 2024) criteria a VA rater evaluates Inguinal Hernia against, with the 2026 monthly rate at each level. A reference to what the regulation describes — never a prediction of any rating.
38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7338 — Hernia, including femoral, inguinal, umbilical, ventral, incisional, and other (but not including hiatal) (as revised by 89 FR 19743, Mar. 20, 2024)
Inguinal Hernia · 6 levels
- 100%$3,938.58a month
- 60%$1,435.02a month
- 30%$552.47a month
- 20%$356.66a month
- 10%$180.42a month
- 0%$0 · still service-connected
2026 VA rates (effective December 1, 2025), veteran alone, as the only rated condition. VA decides the level.
Key facts
- Regulation
- 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7338 — Hernia, including femoral, inguinal, umbilical, ventral, incisional, and other (but not including hiatal) (as revised by 89 FR 19743, Mar. 20, 2024)
- Diagnostic code
- 7338
- Levels in the schedule
- 0% · 10% · 20% · 30% · 60% · 100%
- Top level (100%) pays
- $3,938.58/month2026, veteran alone
The rating levels
Criteria paraphrased from 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7338 — Hernia, including femoral, inguinal, umbilical, ventral, incisional, and other (but not including hiatal) (as revised by 89 FR 19743, Mar. 20, 2024) for readability. Monthly amounts are the 2026 rate (effective December 1, 2025) for a veteran with no dependents if this were the only rated condition — dependents add more, and multiple conditions combine under the VA’s own math.
- 100%
$3,938.58/month
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, or climbing stairs.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Irreparable hernia 15 cm or larger, present 12+ months
- Pain with at least THREE of: bending over, daily activities, walking, climbing stairs
- 60%
$1,435.02/month
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, or climbing stairs.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Irreparable hernia 15 cm or larger, present 12+ months
- Pain with TWO of: bending over, daily activities, walking, climbing stairs
- 30%
$552.47/month
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, or climbing stairs.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Irreparable hernia 3 cm to under 15 cm, present 12+ months
- Pain with at least TWO of: bending over, daily activities, walking, climbing stairs
- 20%
$356.66/month
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, or climbing stairs.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Irreparable hernia 3 cm to under 15 cm, present 12+ months
- Pain with ONE of: bending over, daily activities (bathing, dressing, hygiene, transfers), walking, climbing stairs
- 10%
$180.42/month
Irreparable hernia (new or recurrent) present for 12 months or more; with hernia size smaller than 3 cm.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- A surgeon has found the hernia irreparable, and it has been present 12+ months
- Smaller than 3 cm
- 0%
$0/month (0% is still service-connected)
Asymptomatic hernia; present and repairable, or repaired.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Hernia that causes no symptoms
- Hernia that can be repaired, or already has been
The listed symptoms are examples that appear in each level’s criteria — not a checklist that earns a percentage. Raters apply the criteria as a whole.
C&P exam tips for Inguinal Hernia
- 1What wins this rating: the record must show the hernia is IRREPARABLE and has been present 12 months or more, its size in centimeters (one dimension), and which activities cause pain — bending over, daily activities (bathing, dressing, hygiene, transfers), walking, climbing stairs.
- 2Bring operative reports and any surgeon's note stating the hernia cannot be repaired.
- 3With two compensable inguinal hernias, the more disabling one is rated first and 10% is added for the second (not added if the first is rated 100%).
Common mistakes on Inguinal Hernia claims
- Not getting a surgeon's statement that the hernia is irreparable — a repairable or repaired hernia without symptoms is 0%.
- Not having the hernia measured — the 3 cm and 15 cm size thresholds set the level.
- Describing pain generally instead of naming which of the four activities (bending over, daily activities, walking, stairs) trigger it.
- Overlooking a separate scar rating for the surgical site if painful.
Frequently asked questions
What diagnostic code does the VA use for Inguinal Hernia?
Inguinal Hernia is rated under 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7338 — Hernia, including femoral, inguinal, umbilical, ventral, incisional, and other (but not including hiatal) (as revised by 89 FR 19743, Mar. 20, 2024) — diagnostic code 7338.
What is the highest schedular VA rating for Inguinal Hernia?
100% is the highest level in the rating schedule for Inguinal Hernia. The criteria at that level describe: 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, or climbing stairs.
How much does a 100% VA rating for Inguinal Hernia pay in 2026?
$3,938.58 per month, tax-free, for a veteran with no dependents (rates effective December 1, 2025) — more with a spouse, children, or dependent parents. If you have other rated conditions, the VA combines ratings using its own math rather than adding them.
Build your Inguinal Hernia claim documentation
Your first claim builds free, on screen — a personal statement mapped to these criteria and a cited draft medical opinion. No card to sign up.
Educational information about the rating schedule — not legal or medical advice, never a prediction or promise of any rating, and not affiliated with the VA.