VA Disability Rating for Hiatal Hernia
Rated 10–60% based on reflux severity. Same scale as GERD.
Hiatal hernia (DC 7346) is rated under the same scale that applies to GERD — by severity of reflux symptoms, dysphagia, regurgitation, and degree of impairment. Endoscopy is gold-standard evidence; barium swallow also acceptable.
Rating tiers + 2026 monthly compensation
| Rating | Monthly (2026, single vet) | Criteria (summary) |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 | With two or more of the symptoms for the 30% rating, of less severity. |
| 30% | $552.47 | Persistent recurrent epigastric distress with dysphagia, pyrosis (heartburn), and regurgitation, accompanied by substernal or arm or shoulder pain, productive of considerable impairment of health. |
| 60% | $1,435.02 | Symptoms of pain, vomiting, material weight loss and hematemesis or melena, with moderate anemia, OR other symptom combinations productive of severe impairment of health. |
Dollar amounts reflect the 2.5% COLA effective 2025-12-01 for single veterans with no dependents. Add spouse + children for 30%+ ratings via the estimator.
What this means in dollars
- →At 10%: $180.42/mo · $2,165/year, tax-free
- →At 30%: $552.47/mo · $6,630/year, tax-free
- →At 60%: $1,435.02/mo · $17,220/year, tax-free
How to get rated for hiatal hernia
- Upper endoscopy or barium swallow confirming hernia.
- Document reflux symptom frequency and severity.
- Weight loss, anemia, dysphagia all support higher tiers.
Common secondary conditions
- +GERD
- +Esophagitis
- +Sleep disturbance
- +Asthma (reflux-related)
File these separately. VA rates each service-connected condition independently and combines them via § 4.25.
Nexus tips
- Often diagnosed alongside GERD — file both, VA picks higher (anti-pyramiding).
- In-service heavy lifting and stress are well-recognized etiologies.
Frequently asked
I have both hiatal hernia and GERD. Are they rated separately?
No — both are rated under the same § 4.114 scale, and VA will pick the higher one to avoid pyramiding. They share a rating, not separate ratings.
Ready to act on this?
Get a full rating estimate across your conditions, or draft the nexus letter your doctor needs to sign.
Related conditions
This page summarizes public rating criteria from 38 CFR Part 4. It is not legal or medical advice. Actual VA ratings depend on C&P exam findings, records review, and rater discretion.