Diagnostic code
Diagnostic Code 7346: Hiatal Hernia / Paraesophageal Hernia Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.114
- Rating range
- 0% to 80%
- Rating levels
- 5
- Body system
- Digestive system
The VA rates Hiatal Hernia / Paraesophageal Hernia under diagnostic code 7346 in 38 CFR § 4.114. The table below is the full set of rating criteria, from the schedule itself, with the evidence factors raters look for at each level.
DC 7346 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Rate as esophagus, stricture of (DC 7203); documented history without daily symptoms or medications is noncompensable What raters look forDC 7203; no daily symptoms |
| 10% | Rate as DC 7203 when stricture requires daily medication to control dysphagia What raters look forDC 7203; daily medication; dysphagia |
| 30% | Rate as DC 7203 for recurrent stricture causing dysphagia requiring dilatation no more than 2 times per year What raters look forDC 7203; recurrent stricture; dilatation |
| 50% | Rate as DC 7203 for recurrent or refractory stricture requiring 3+ dilatations per year, steroid dilatation, or stent placement What raters look forDC 7203; refractory stricture; stent |
| 80% | Rate as DC 7203 for recurrent or refractory stricture with aspiration, undernutrition, or substantial weight loss requiring surgical correction or PEG tube What raters look forDC 7203; aspiration; undernutrition; PEG tube |
Condition guide
The rating criteria are only part of the picture for Hiatal Hernia. The Hiatal Hernia condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 7346?
Diagnostic code 7346 is the VA rating schedule entry for Hiatal Hernia / Paraesophageal Hernia, found in 38 CFR § 4.114. The VA assigns this code when it rates the condition and applies the criteria listed on this page.
What ratings are possible under DC 7346?
DC 7346 provides ratings of 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 80%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 7346 require?
The 80% rating for Hiatal Hernia / Paraesophageal Hernia requires: Rate as DC 7203 for recurrent or refractory stricture with aspiration, undernutrition, or substantial weight loss requiring surgical correction or PEG tube.