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Jan 29, 2024

Hiatal Hernia VA Disability Rating Explained

Claire Szewczyk Updated: March 23, 2023 Hiatal hernias are rated under the 38

Claire Szewczyk Updated: March 23, 2023

Hiatal hernias are rated under the 38 CFR § 4.114, Schedule of Ratings – Digestive System, diagnostic code 7346. Veterans can be rated at 10, 30, or 60 percent, depending on the severity of their disability. The criteria for each VA rating are as follows:

A hiatal hernia is a medical condition that occurs when a portion of the stomach protrudes into the chest through the hiatus, a small opening in the diaphragm.

The diaphragm is a muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity and aids in breathing.

Hiatal hernias are quite common, with an estimated 60% of people over the age of 50 experiencing one.

There are two types of hiatal hernias: sliding and paraesophageal.

There are a variety of symptoms of hiatal hernias, including many of the following:

Remember, some people may not experience any of these symptoms, while others may experience a combination of symptoms.

If you suspect you have a hiatal hernia, it's important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Hiatal hernias are typically diagnosed through a variety of different tests and procedures. Some of these may include:

Once a hiatal hernia has been diagnosed, the doctor will recommend a treatment plan based on the severity of the symptoms and any associated complications.

Treatment options may include lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery.

In order to get disability benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), veterans need to do three things:

To get service-connected for a hiatal hernia, you will need to demonstrate that the condition is related to your military service.

This can be done by providing medical evidence such as:

You will also need to show a connection between your military service and the development of the hiatal hernia. This can be achieved by:

To apply for service-connected disability benefits, you will need to file a claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by filling out VA Form 21-52EZ.

The VA will review your medical records, service records, and any other supporting evidence to determine if your condition is service-connected.

If your claim is approved, you may be eligible for disability compensation and other benefits.

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) is a common condition where the stomach acid and digestive enzymes flow back up into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation of the lining of the esophagus.

A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach protrudes upward through the diaphragm into the chest cavity.

GERD is a common complication of hiatal hernias. The stomach protruding through the diaphragm leads to weakening of the lower esophageal sphincter, a muscular ring that separates the stomach from the esophagus.

This weakened lower esophageal sphincter allows the stomach's acid and digestive enzymes to move back up into the esophagus, leading to GERD.

The symptoms of GERD secondary to hiatal hernia are similar to those of GERD and include:

If left untreated, GERD can cause complications such as esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus, and esophageal cancer.

Treatment for GERD secondary to hiatal hernia may include:

If you suspect you have GERD secondary to hiatal hernia, it's important to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

A Compensation and Pension (C&P) examination is a medical evaluation performed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to determine the extent of a veteran's disability and to assign a disability rating.

Veterans who are seeking disability compensation for a hiatal hernia may be scheduled for a C&P examination.

During the examination, a VA examiner will perform a physical examination to assess the severity of the hiatal hernia and any related symptoms.

The examiner will ask the veteran about their medical history, including any past surgeries or treatments for the condition.

The examiner may also review medical records and imaging studies such as X-rays or CT scans.

The examiner will assess the impact of the hiatal hernia on the veteran's ability to perform daily activities and work.

The examiner will also look for any evidence of complications such as GERD, bleeding, or anemia.

After the examination, the VA examiner will prepare a report detailing their findings and conclusions.

The report will be used to determine the veteran's eligibility for disability compensation and to assign a disability rating based on the severity of the condition and its impact on the veteran's ability to function.

It's important for veterans to provide as much information as possible about their hiatal hernia and related symptoms during the C&P examination.

This will ensure that the examiner has a complete understanding of the veteran's condition and can provide an accurate assessment.

Veterans should also bring any relevant medical records or imaging studies to the examination to help support their claim.

The attorneys at Hill & Ponton are here to support you with appealing a claim to get benefits due to a hiatal hernia.

If you are intending to appeal a denied claim, you can contact us for an evaluation and we can help you with this process.

However, if you are considering filing an initial claim, or even if you are interested in learning about the appeals process, we offer a free ebook to get you started on the right foot!

The Road to VA Compensation Benefits will help break down the claims process from start to finish. Click the link below to learn more.

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