Can I Get VA Disability for a Hiatal Hernia?

You may be able to get VA disability benefits for a service-connected hiatal hernia or other service-connected hernia. However, whether you qualify for a VA disability rating for a hiatal hernia, what rating will be assigned, and what benefits are available will depend on the seriousness of the condition.

Here’s what you need to know about VA disability claims for hiatal hernias.

What is a Hiatal Hernia? 

A hernia happens when one of your internal organs pushes through the layer of muscle that usually covers and protects it. Typically, this results in a visible bulge. Hernias can be very painful, but may also cause minor pain or no pain at all. 

A hiatal hernia is a type of hernia that involves the stomach or part of the esophagus pushing upward through the diaphragm and into the chest area. In rare cases, additional abdominal organs may be involved. Because this condition involves organs migrating upward through the diaphragm, they are typically not visible like other types of hernias. These can cause a range of gastrointestinal symptoms, such as heartburn, indigestion, burping and regurgitation. A veteran with this condition may also experience symptoms such as trouble swallowing, sore throat, chest pain, and hoarseness.

How Does the VA Treat Hiatal Hernias? 

To secure VA disability benefits for this condition, you must first show that the condition is service-connected. There are currently no presumptive service connections for hiatal hernia. However, they may be secondary to other common service-connected disabilities, including presumptively connected conditions like PTSD and GERD.

VA Disability Ratings for Hiatal Hernia

Most types of hernia are rated under diagnostic code (DC) 7338. However, the entry for DC 7338 excludes hiatal hernia. This condition has a separate diagnostic code, 7346. That listing doesn’t set forth rating criteria, but instead directs evaluation under DC 7203–stricture of the esophagus.

Under that listing, the disability rating assigned for a hiatal hernia may be as low as 0% or as high as 80%. The possible ratings are:

• 0% – The veteran has a documented history but does not have daily symptoms or need for daily medication
• 10% – The condition requires daily medication
• 30% – The veteran suffers dysphagia requiring dilation not more than twice a year
• 50%: The veteran suffers dysphagia requiring dilation at least three times a year, or dilation with steroids at least once a year, or an esophageal stent
• 80% – Dysphagia with at least one of the following: aspiration, malnutrition or substantial weight loss requiring surgery or PEG 

Get Help with Your VA Disability Claim for Hiatal Hernia

Specific diagnostic testing is required to support a VA disability claim for hiatal hernia, and the burden is on the veteran to establish a service connection. An experienced disability benefits advocate can help put together the strongest claim possible, and ensure that you submit the documentation necessary to support the right disability rating. To learn more about how we can help, call 855-855-8992 or fill out our contact form here.

Read More From Below:

• TOP 5 REASONS TO WORK WITH A VA-ACCREDITED ADVOCATE
• HOW TO WIN YOUR PTSD CLAIM
• CHOOSING AN ADVOCATE REPRESENTATIVE FOR VA APPEALS CAN INCREASE THE CHANCE OF SUCCESS BY OVER 16%