Rating Schedule for the Digestive System
From the mouth to the anus, it’s a journey quite famous.
PRESUMPTIVE CONDITION:
Functional gastrointestinal disorders to include abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, indigestion, difficulty swallowing, or vomiting it exposed to Gulf environmental hazards and the condition is considered a MUCMI.
MUCMIs associated with undiagnosed gastrointestinal issues are evaluated under the IBS schedule or Gastrointestinal dysmotility syndrome; whichever provides the higher evaluation.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is NOT considered to be a functional disorder!
IMPORTANT NOTES:
The VA can and does employ a fair bit of squinting when evaluating digestive conditions. Meaning, even if the rating schedule states AND, and you do NOT have ALL the symptoms, the rater can… still award that higher evaluation. (38 CFR 4.7)
A ‘year’ can be thought of as the span of time between 2 events. It is NOT simply times between January-December.
If you underwent a throat dilation and your provider established you are to have them every 3 months for the next 9 months, then for evaluation purposes: you meet the criteria of needing at least 4 dilations in a year from the date of the first dilation - due to the provider’s prognosis based upon your current severity. The VA DOES need proof of the procedure and scheduled follows ups though.
GENERAL PYRAMIDING NOTES:
Veterans CANNOT get separate evaluations for 2 or more conditions evaluated under any the following diagnostic codes at the same time: 7301-7329, 7331, 7342, 7345-7350, 7352, 7355-7357.
In the event that you have multiple conditions that fall within the above pyramiding note and the conditions result in a greater degree of disability than the schedules of any one of conditions would rate; The rater can increase the evaluation to the next higher degree of severity under the schedule of one of those conditions. This way your conditions are more accurately considered and better reflect your total degree of disability. e.g. if the schedule for a condition would put you at 30% with the next highest rating being 60%. But your other pyramiding digestive conditions are so severe that the approximate disability is that of 60%. The rater can awarded a singular rating of 60% instead of the 30% you would have otherwise gotten.
These listed conditions are NOT all the conditions which are prohibited from being rated together!
IMPORTANT NOTE:
If you were evaluated under the old general pyramiding notes (before May 19, 2024) and you have conditions which are now allowed to be rated separately, the VA WILL award separate evaluations if doing so would be a good thing for the Veteran!
Examples
You were rated for GERD with IBS at 30% with BOTH conditions having a severity worth a rating of 30% each (if they could have been rated separated under the old schedule). If you filed a claim for increase for IBS the VA would look at the IBS based upon the current schedule; if the IBS rated 0% on the current schedule, VA would leave things as they were - so long as you would still rate at least 30% under the old schedule (or had other Protections).
If the IBS instead rated 10% on the current schedule; the VA would keep the GERD at 30% and award a separate evaluation for the IBS at 10%!
Definitions for Weight Loss and Nutrition
The VA has the following definitions for this schedule:
Weight
Baseline weight:
The clinically documented average weight for the TWO-YEAR period BEFORE the onset of illness or, if relevant, the weight recorded at the Veteran's most recent discharge physical. If neither of these weights are available or currently relevant, then use IDEAL body weight as determined by either the Hamwi formula or Body Mass Index tables, whichever is most favorable to the Veteran.
Minor weight loss:
Involuntary weight loss between 10 and 20% of an individual's baseline weight sustained for 3 months with gastrointestinal-related symptoms, involving diminished quality of self-care or work tasks, or decreased food intake.
Substantial weight loss:
Involuntary loss greater than 20% of an individual's baseline weight sustained for three months with diminished quality of self-care or work tasks.
Inability to gain weight:
Substantial weight loss with the inability to regain it despite following appropriate therapy.
Nutrition
Undernutrition:
Deficiency resulting from insufficient intake of one or multiple essential nutrients, or the inability of the body to absorb, utilize, or retain such nutrients. Undernutrition is characterized by failure of the body to maintain normal organ functions and healthy tissues. Signs and symptoms may include: loss of subcutaneous tissue, edema, peripheral neuropathy, muscle wasting, weakness, abdominal distention, ascites, and Body Mass Index below normal range.
Nutritional Support: The following describe various nutritional support methods used to treat certain digestive conditions:
Total parenteral nutrition or hyperalimentation:
Special liquid mixture given into the blood through an intravenous catheter. The mixture contains proteins, carbohydrates (sugars), fats, vitamins, and minerals. Total parenteral nutrition bypasses the normal digestion in the stomach and bowel.
Assisted enteral nutrition:
Special liquid mixture (containing proteins, carbohydrates (sugar), fats, vitamins and minerals) to be delivered into the stomach or bowel through a flexible feeding tube.
Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy:
Type of assisted enteral nutrition in which a flexible feeding tube is inserted through the abdominal wall and into the stomach.
Nasogastric or nasoenteral feeding tube:
Type of assisted parental nutrition in which a flexible feeding tube is inserted through the nose into the stomach or bowel.
The Mouth
7200 Soft Tissue Injury of the Mouth (Other than Tongue or Lips)
Rated as Disfigurement of the face, head, or neck, Painful/unstable scar(s), and/or Impairment of eating.
NOTE:
Conditions such as the Loss of teeth, Loss of the palate, and jaw are rated under the Dental schedule.
7201 Lips, Injuries of
Rated as Disfigurement of the face, head, or neck and/or Painful/unstable scar(s).
7202 Loss of Tongue, Whole or Part (True Aglossia)
Muscles in your neck, shoulders, and upper body spasm regularly.
NOTE:
Prescription must be made by a medical provider.
Common Secondary Condition
Speech impairment rated as either:
6276 Loss of Sense of Taste (Ageusia)
The Esophagus
Connects the mouth to the stomach.
7203 Difficulty Swallowing (Stricture of the Esophagus, Dysphagia)
When the esophagus narrows/tightens, making it hard to swallow.
This diagnostic code applies, but is NOT limited to:
Esophagitis, mechanical or chemical;
Esophagitis due to peptic stricture;
Esophagitis due to radiation therapy;
Drug induced or infectious esophagitis due to Candida, virus, or other organism;
Idiopathic eosinophilic, or lymphocytic esophagitis;
Mallory Weiss syndrome (bleeding at junction of esophagus and stomach due to tears) due to caustic ingestion of alkali or acid; and
ANY esophageal condition that requires treatment with sclerotherapy.
PYRAMIDING NOTE:
CANNOT be rated separately from Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
IMPORTANT NOTES:
A 10% evaluation IS APPROPRIATE even if there is no evidence of esophageal stricture(s) but daily medication is required to control other symptoms associated with the condition! (M21 V.iii.6.2.b)
If the basis of the evaluation is strictures - the condition MUST be documented by:
Barium swallow;
Computerized tomography; or
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy.
NOTES:
Recurrent esophageal stricture is defined as the inability to maintain target esophageal diameter beyond 4 weeks after the target diameter has been achieved.
Refractory esophageal stricture is defined as the inability to achieve target esophageal diameter despite receiving no fewer than 5 dilatation sessions performed at 2-week intervals.
7204 Esophageal Motility Disorder (Achalasia, Spasms of the Esophagus, Cardiospasm)
When muscles in the lower esophagus cannot move food down into the stomach.
This diagnostic code applies, but is NOT limited to:
Achalasia (cardiospasm);
Corkscrew esophagus;
Diffuse esophageal spasm (DES);
Esophageal rings (including Schatzki rings);
Esophagus webs;
Mucosal webs or folds;
Nutcracker esophagus;
Other motor disorders of the esophagus; and
Impairment of the esophagus caused by systemic conditions such as myasthenia gravis, scleroderma, and other neurologic conditions.
Rated as Difficulty swallowing.
7205 Diverticulum of the Esophagus
Bubble or pocket of stretched tissue that pushes through the muscle wall of the esophagus.
This diagnostic code applies, but is NOT limited to:
Epiphrenic (distal esophagus);
Mid esophageal diverticulum; and
Pharyngo-esophageal diverticulum (Zenker's diverticulum).
Rated as Difficulty swallowing.
7206 Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
When your stomach contents leak out and burn your food pipe.
PYRAMIDING NOTE:
CANNOT be rated separately from Difficulty swallowing.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
A 10% evaluation IS APPROPRIATE even if there is no evidence of esophageal stricture(s) but daily medication is required to control other symptoms associated with GERD/condition! (M21 V.iii.6.2.b)
If the basis of the evaluation is strictures - the condition MUST be documented by:
Barium swallow;
Computerized tomography; or
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy.
NOTES:
Recurrent esophageal stricture is defined as the inability to maintain target esophageal diameter beyond 4 weeks after the target diameter has been achieved.
Refractory esophageal stricture is defined as the inability to achieve target esophageal diameter despite receiving no fewer than 5 dilatation sessions performed at 2-week intervals.
7207 Barrett's Esophagus
Precancerous condition due to changes in the cellular structure of your food tube lining, usually due to repeated damage.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
If difficulty of swallowing is present then this condition is rated as Difficulty swallowing instead of this schedule.
MUST be diagnosed by pathologic testing.
NOTE:
If this condition is fixed via surgery, radio frequency ablation, or other treatment, the esophagus residuals are rated as Difficulty swallowing.
The Stomach
Holds your food, as it breaks down.
7307 Chronic Gastritis
Continual swelling of the stomach/glands.
This diagnostic code applies to:
Drug-induced gastritis;
Helicobacter pylori infection;
Portal-hypertensive gastropathy with varix-related complications; and
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Rated as Peptic ulcer disease.
7309 Stenosis of the Stomach
When the stomach becomes abnormally narrowed.
Rated as Chronic complications of upper gastrointestinal surgery or Peptic ulcer disease; whichever is the predominant disability.
7310 Injury of the Stomach
Any residual symptoms are rated as Peritoneal adhesions.
7308 Removal of Stomach, Full/Partial (Gastrectomy)
Rated as Chronic complications of upper gastrointestinal surgery.
7348 Removal of the Vegus Nerve, Partial or Full (Vagotomy)
IMPORTANT NOTE:
To get a rating under this schedule, the surgery MUST have been performed in addition with either a gastroenterostomy OR a pyloroplasty!
RATER NOTES:
Rate post-operative residuals not addressed by this diagnostic code under Chronic complications of upper gastrointestinal surgery.
If secondary service-connection is granted for Peptic ulcer disease due to the vagotomy; the MINIMUM evaluation for the ulcer is 20%!
The Pancreas
Pulls double duty as a gland that is involved in both the Endocrine system and the digestive system.
For the digestive system, the pancreas makes important enzymes that help the small intestines absorb nutrients.
7347 Pancreas Inflammation (Pancreatitis)
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Abdominal pain MUST be confirmed by diagnostic studies to show the pain is due to the pancreatitis condition.
Common Secondary Condition
7352 Pancreas Transplant
PYRAMIDING NOTE:
You CANNOT get the minimum evaluation in addition to separate evaluation(s) for residual digestive symptom(s); you will get whichever is higher. Be it the minimum evaluation OR the residual digestive symptom(s).
7357 Removal of Part/All of the Pancreas (Pancreatecomy)
Can alternatively be rated based on residuals:
Pancreatitis; whichever is the predominant disability.
PYRAMIDING NOTES:
You CANNOT get the minimum evaluation in addition to separate evaluation(s) for residual symptom(s); you will get whichever is higher. Be it the minimum evaluation OR the residual digestive symptom(s).
The Gallbladder
Collects bile produced by the liver and passes it to the stomach when digesting food. The bile specifically helps in the digesting of fats.
7314 Chronic Gallbladder Inflammation (Chronic Cholecystitis, Chronic Biliary Tract Disease)
Usually due to gallstones (cholelithiasis).
This diagnostic code applies, but is NOT limited to:
Biliary structures;
Bile duct injury;
Cholangitis;
Choledochal cyst; and
Spinchter of Oddi dysfunction.
NOTE:
Primary sclerosing cholangitis is rated as Chronic Liver Disease (Without Cirrhosis).
7315 Chronic Gallstones (Chronic Cholelithiasis)
When the gallbladder continually produces gallstones.
PRESUMPTIVE CONDITION:
If diagnosed within a Year of separation AND the condition rates at least 10%.
Rated as Chronic gallbladder inflammation.
7317 Injury to the Gallbladder
Rated as Peritoneal adhesions, Chronic cholecystitis, or Removal of the gallbladder, depending on the predominant disability.
RATER NOTE:
When rating gallbladder injuries analogous to Peritoneum adhesions, a finding of adhesions is NOT necessary.
7318 Removal of the Gallbladder (Cholecystectomy)
The Liver
Regulates metabolism, clears out old red blood cells, produces hormones and filters toxins out of the body. It also produces bile for the gallbladder.
7312 Cirrhosis of the Liver (Hepatic Cirrhosis, Primary Biliary Cirrhosis, and the Cirrhotic Phase of Sclerosing Cholangitis)
Late-stage liver disease.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
In order to get a rating under this schedule the diagnosis MUST be confirmed by biopsy, biochemical studies, or imaging; WITH abnormal liver function tests
PRESUMPTIVE CONDITION:
If diagnosed within a Year of separation AND the severity warranted at least a 10% evaluation within that time; or
POW for at least 30 days AND the severity warranted at least a 10% evaluation at any time.
7345 Chronic Liver Disease (Without Cirrhosis)
This diagnostic code applies, but is NOT limited to:
Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency;
Autoimmune hepatitis;
Chronic active hepatitis;
Drug-induced hepatitis;
Hemochromatosis;
Hepatitis B (HBV);
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH);
Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC);
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC); and
Wilson's disease
However, this does NOT include Hepatitis C; which has its own diagnostic code.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
If you are claiming Hepatitis B you MUST identify what risk factor(s) you had in service that could have resulted in you obtaining the condition!
If you have multiple risk factors that apply to you, then you should list them ALL!
If your ONLY risk factor is drug use in service then you CANNOT get service-connection!
Hepatitis B MUST be diagnosed via serologic testing.
Here are some examples of risk factors:
RATER NOTES:
For Veterans whose physicians recommend BOTH parenteral antiviral therapy AND parenteral immunomodulatory drugs, but such treatments are NOT safe for the Veteran, rate under the Cirrhosis of the liver schedule criteria.
If the Veteran was service-connected for hepatitis B AFTER October 31, 1990 and the grant was based on drug use - do NOT grant any increase claims for this condition! Further, if the condition is not protected by the 10 year rule propose severing service-connection!
SPECIAL RATER NOTES:
In the case of hepatitis C conditions rated under this schedule:
Do NOT assign a 0 percent evaluation if there are ANY symptoms, even mild - assign a 20% rating!
Do NOT assign a 0 percent evaluation if there is evidence of liver damage shown on any liver function tests - assign a minimum 20% rating!
7354 Hepatitis C (Hepatitis that is not A or B)
Infection in the liver.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
If you are claiming Hepatitis C (HCV) you MUST identify what risk factor(s) you had in service that could have resulted in you obtaining the condition!
If you have multiple risk factors that apply to you, then you should list them ALL!
If your ONLY risk factor is drug use in service then you CANNOT get service connection!
Hepatitis C
MUST be diagnosed via serologic testing.
Here are some examples of risk factors:
Rated under Chronic Liver Disease (Without Cirrhosis).
RATER NOTES:
If the Veteran was service-connected AFTER October 31, 1990 and the grant was based on drug use - do NOT grant any increase claims for this condition! Further, if the condition is not protected by the 10 year rule propose severing service-connection!
7311 Injuries to the Liver
Common causes of liver injury include:
Alcohol;
Drugs (Acetaminophen, isoniazid, phenytoin);
Physical trauma;
Toxic substances; and
Viral infections.
Rated under Peritoneal adhesions, Cirrhosis of the liver, and/or as Chronic liver disease without cirrhosis.
7350 Liver Abscess
This diagnostic code applies, but is NOT limited to abscesses caused by:
Amebic (e.g., E. hystolytica);
Bacterial;
Fungal (e.g., C. albicans); and
Viral.
7351 Liver Transplant
PYRAMIDING NOTE:
You CANNOT get the minimum evaluation in addition to separate evaluation(s) for residual digestive symptom(s); you will get whichever is higher. Be it the minimum evaluation OR the residual digestive symptom(s).
Fatty Liver Disease (Hepatic Steatosis)
This condition is NOT a disability for VA purposes - it is considered a lab finding.
As such, the VA CANNOT grant service-connection for it!
The Intestines
There are two - large intestine (colon) and small intestine. The small intestine comes off the stomach where it then connects to the large intestines. The large intestines then empty out through your rectum.
7319 Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS, Irritable Colon Syndrome, Spastic Colitis, Mucous Colitis, etc.)
An intestinal disorder that causes pain in the belly, gas, diarrhea, and constipation.
Symptoms include:
Bloating
Irregular bowel movements (constipation or diarrhea)
Stomach pain
PRESUMPTIVE CONDITION:
If exposed to Gulf environmental hazards; or
POW for at least 30 days AND the severity warranted at least a 10% evaluation at any time.
SPECIAL NOTE:
Gulf War medically unexplained chronic multisymptom illness associated undiagnosed gastrointestinal issues are evaluated under this schedule or Gastrointestinal dysmotility syndrome; whichever provides the higher evaluation.
Common Secondary Conditions
7323 Ulcerative Colitis (UC, Colitis Ulcerosa, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, IBD)
Causes inflammation and ulcers (sores) in your digestive tract.
Rated as Crohn's disease.
7325 Chronic Enteritis
Constant swelling of the small intestine.
Symptoms include:
Cramping
Dehydration
Diarrhea
Fever
Stomach pain
Rated as Irritable bowel syndrome or Crohn's disease or undifferentiated form of inflammatory bowel disease; whichever is the predominant disability.
7326 Crohn's Disease or Undifferentiated Form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Constant swelling and irritation of the digestive track. May involve small bowel (ileitis), large bowel (colitis), or inflammation of any component of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
Condition MUST be diagnosed by endoscopy or radiologic studies.
Following colectomy/colostomy with persistent or recurrent symptoms, condition will be rated under this schedule or Removal of part/all the large intestine; whichever provides the highest rating.
7327 Diverticular Disease (Diverticulitis, Diverticulosis)
A condition in which small, bulging pouches develop in the digestive tract.
Symptoms include:
Diarrhea
Fever
High white blood cell count
Stomach pain
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Following colectomy/colostomy with persistent or recurrent symptoms, condition will be rated under this schedule or Removal of part/all the large intestine; whichever provides the highest rating.
7355 Celiac Disease
Intolerance of gluten.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
MUST be diagnosed by serum antibody test or endoscopy WITH biopsy.
Condition will be rated under this schedule or Removal of part/all the small intestine; whichever provides the highest rating.
7356 Gastrointestinal Dysmotility Syndrome
When the muscles of your intestines have difficulties working correctly.
SPECIAL NOTE:
Gulf War medically unexplained chronic multisymptom illness associated undiagnosed gastrointestinal issues are evaluated under this schedule or Irritable bowel syndrome; whichever provides the higher evaluation.
7330 External Fistula of the Large or Small Intestine (Gastrointestinal Fistula, GIF, Intestinal fistulous Disease)
An abnormal passageway from the intestine to the outside of the body.
This diagnostic code applies, but is NOT limited to:
External fistulas that have developed as a consequence of abdominal trauma, surgery, radiation, malignancy, infection, or ischemia.
7328 Removal of Part/All the Small Intestine (Resection of the Small Intestine)
This diagnostic code applies, but is NOT limited to:
Mesenteric ischemic thrombosis;
Post-bariatric surgery complications;
Short bowel syndrome.
RATER NOTE:
If short bowel syndrome results in high output syndrome, to include high-output stoma, consider assigning a higher evaluation under Removal of part/all the large intestine.
7329 Removal of Part/All the Large Intestine (Resection of the Large Intestine, Colectomy)
This diagnostic code applies, but is NOT limited to:
Ostomy.
Rectum and Anus
Rectum, the end of the large intestine.
Anus, the end of the road.
7332 Incontinence, Complete or Partial loss (Poor Sphincter Control, Impairment of Sphincter Control)
When the gates cannot quite hold back the...
The inability to hold or release poop at an appropriate time AND place.
PYRAMIDING NOTE:
CAN be rated separately from other digestive issues. BARRING other rectum/anus conditions with overlapping symptoms.
SPECIAL NOTE:
If there is ANY loss of sphincter control AND the Veteran has Both legs amputated or completely paralyed the rating will be 100%.
7333 Anal Stenosis (Stricture of the Rectum or Anus)
When scar tissue narrows the openings of the rectum or anus.
This diagnostic code applies, but is NOT limited to:
Anismus (functional constipation); and
Dyssynergic defecation (levator ani).
PYRAMIDING NOTE:
CAN be rated separately from other digestive issues. BARRING other rectum/anus conditions with overlapping symptoms.
7334 Prolapse of the Rectum
When the rectum slips out of place.
SPECIAL NOTE:
If impairment of bowel control is the predominant disability, then condition will be rated under diagnostic code Incontinence instead.
7335 Anal Fistula (Anorectal Abscess, Anorectal Fistula, Fistula-in-Ano)
Abnormal passageway connecting the anus to other internal parts of the body or outside the body
7336 Hemorrhoids (Piles)
Swollen veins inside or outside, near the anus.
RATER NOTE:
AFTER service-connection has been granted, assume that ANY future re-occurrence is related to service. UNLESS, there is clear and unmistakable evidence that the Veteran was originally granted service-connection in error.
7337 Itchy Anus (Anal Itching, Pruritus Ani)
Persistent and often intense itch around the anus.
Abdomen and Peritoneum
Abdomen, the large cavity in which all the organs sit.
Peritoneum, the tissue that lines the abdomen just under the skin.
7301 Peritoneum Adhesions
When scar tissue causes the surface of the peritoneum to stick to the surface of other organs. This can cause those organs to twist/bend out out shape and reduce their ability to function.
7303 Chronic Complications of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery
This diagnostic code includes operations performed on the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, and small intestine, including bariatric surgery.
NOTE:
If the surgery was the REMOVAL of a part of the small you will be rated under Removal of part/all the small intestine NOT this schedule.
Common Secondary Conditions
Pancreatic surgery often result in a vitamin or mineral deficiency (e.g., B12, iron, calcium, or fat-soluble vitamins). Which can lead to:
Avitaminosis Vitamin A, B, C or D deficiencies;
Keratitis or keratomalacia due to Vitamin A deficiency;
Neuropathy due to Vitamin E deficiency; and
Prolonged clotting due to Vitamin K deficiency.
7331 Tuberculosis of the Peritoneum (Peritoneum Tuberculosis, PTB)
7342 Visceroptosis
Prolapse or a sinking of the abdominal viscera (internal organs) below their natural positions.
Symptoms include:
Bloating
Constipation
Diarrhea
Indigestion
Loss of appetite
Ulcers
Ulcers are tears or breaks in tissue.
7304 Peptic Ulcer Disease (Stomach Ulcer, Gastric Ulcer)
Ulcer in the stomach.
PRESUMPTIVE CONDITION:
If diagnosed within a Year of separation AND the severity warranted at least a 10% evaluation within that time; or
POW for at least 30 days AND the severity warranted at least a 10% evaluation at any time.
SPECIAL NOTE:
If the ulcer is secondary to Removal of the Vegus Nerve, partial or full (Vagotomy), the minimum evaluation is 20%.
Hernias
An opening between the wall of an organ and the muscles of a cavity - that allows the organ to push through it.
7338 Hernia, including Femoral, Incisional, Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, and other (but not including Hiatal)
PYRAMIDING NOTE:
You CANNOT get multiple separate evaluations for hernias under this schedule.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
Due to there being 2 inguinal canals, it is possible for them both to herniate. In the event both are herniated and they BOTH would get a rating of at least 10% then the rating gets the following special treatment:
The higher of the 2 ratings gets an additional 10% added to it and the Veteran gets 1 individual evaluation. For example: if the ratings were 30% and 30% the Veteran would get a singular 40% rating (from the 10% bonus).
This special treatment CANNOT be applied if a single 100% evaluation is warranted for one of the hernias.
RATER NOTE:
If Service Treatment Records (STRs) note inguinal hernia, service-connection is warranted without a medical opinion. UNLESS, there is medical evidence dated before service or other sufficient medical evidence to determine that an Aggravation medical opinion is required. The return of the hernia during service is NOT alone enough evidence to indicate aggravation has occurred. You NEED that opinion!
NOTE:
Any one of the following activities of daily living are sufficient for evaluation: bathing, dressing, hygiene, and/or transfers.
7346 Stomach Hernia (Hiatal Hernia and Paraesophageal Hernia)
Hernia in the diaphragm that allows the organs in the abdomen to move up into the chest cavity.
Rated as Difficulty swallowing.
Muscle Hernias
For information on muscle hernias click HERE.
Cancer and Tumors
7343 Cancer (Malignant Neoplasms)
PRESUMPTIVE CONDITION:
If exposed to Burn pits.
If diagnosed with liver cancer and exposed to Camp Lejeune.
If diagnosed with bile duct, colon, esophagus, gall bladder, pancreas, liver, salivary gland, small intestine, or stomach cancers and exposed to Ionizing radiation.
7344 Tumor (Benign Neoplasm)
This diagnostic code applies, but is NOT limited to:
Colon polyps;
Leiomyoma;
Lipoma; and
Villous adenoma.
Has no rating in and of itself.
However, if the Veteran suffers residual symptoms due to the presence of the tumor(s) or any treatments used to deal with them. Those may be rated.
Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQs)
To get an idea of how a C&P exam will be conducted it is recommended that the Veteran look at the applicable DBQ.
Veteran's may ask a physician to complete a DBQ on their behalf to submit with their claim. For more information on DBQs click HERE.
Having Trouble Finding Your Condition?
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