Hiatal Hernia — VA Rating Guide

The rating ladder

What the VA looks for at each percentage.

How to describe it (and win the rating)

• Document the specific symptom cluster: dysphagia, pyrosis (heartburn), regurgitation, and substernal/arm/shoulder pain — the 30% tier requires this combination to be 'persistently recurrent.'
• For the 60% tier, ensure objective findings are recorded: material weight loss, hematemesis or melena, and moderate anemia confirmed by labs.
• Note that the rating turns on 'impairment of health' language — 'considerable' for 30% versus 'severe' for 60% — so the provider's characterization of overall health impact matters.
• Report frequency and persistence of episodes, not just their presence, since 30% and above require symptoms to be persistently recurrent.

Evidence that helps

• Treatment records documenting epigastric distress, dysphagia, pyrosis, and regurgitation
• Notes of substernal, arm, or shoulder pain associated with GI symptoms
• Weight records showing material weight loss over time
• Documentation of hematemesis (vomiting blood) or melena (dark/tarry stools)
• CBC / lab results establishing anemia and its severity (moderate for 60%)
• Endoscopy or imaging (barium swallow, upper GI) confirming hiatal hernia
• Provider statement characterizing overall impairment of health (considerable vs. severe)

Next steps

Related conditions & secondary claims

Conditions medically linked to Hiatal Hernia — each can be worth a separate or secondary claim:

• GERD — Hiatal hernia is a leading cause of acid reflux (GERD).
• Gastritis — Reflux from a hiatal hernia commonly causes gastritis.

Common questions

What is the VA disability rating for hiatal hernia?

The VA rates hiatal hernia under 38 CFR diagnostic code 7346. The rating tiers are: 10% — Two or more of the symptoms for the 30% evaluation of less severity.; 30% — Persistently recurrent epigastric distress with dysphagia, pyrosis, and regurgitation, accompanied by substernal or arm or shoulder pain, productive of considerable impairment of health.; 60% — Symptoms of pain, vomiting, material weight loss and hematemesis or melena with moderate anemia; or other symptom combinations productive of severe impairment of health.. Your exact percentage depends on the severity documented in your records and C&P exam.

How much VA disability compensation is hiatal hernia?

Monthly pay depends on your assigned rating percentage and your dependents, not the condition alone. Hiatal Hernia can be rated from 10% to 60%. Use the free US Vet Help disability calculator for your exact 2026 monthly amount.

What evidence do I need for a hiatal hernia VA claim?

Evidence that helps includes: Treatment records documenting epigastric distress, dysphagia, pyrosis, and regurgitation; Notes of substernal, arm, or shoulder pain associated with GI symptoms; Weight records showing material weight loss over time; Documentation of hematemesis (vomiting blood) or melena (dark/tarry stools); CBC / lab results establishing anemia and its severity (moderate for 60%); Endoscopy or imaging (barium swallow, upper GI) confirming hiatal hernia; Provider statement characterizing overall impairment of health (considerable vs. severe).

How do I get the correct rating for hiatal hernia?

To be rated accurately: Document the specific symptom cluster: dysphagia, pyrosis (heartburn), regurgitation, and substernal/arm/shoulder pain — the 30% tier requires this combination to be 'persistently recurrent.'; For the 60% tier, ensure objective findings are recorded: material weight loss, hematemesis or melena, and moderate anemia confirmed by labs.; Note that the rating turns on 'impairment of health' language — 'considerable' for 30% versus 'severe' for 60% — so the provider's characterization of overall health impact matters.; Report frequency and persistence of episodes, not just their presence, since 30% and above require symptoms to be persistently recurrent..