- Diagnostic Code
- 7338
- CFR Section
- §4.114 — Digestive
Rating Tiers
2. Pain when performing at least three of the following activities: (1) bending over, (2) activities of daily living (ADLs), (3) walking, and (4) climbing stairs
2. Pain when performing two of the following activities: (1) bending over, (2) activities of daily living (ADLs), (3) walking, and (4) climbing stairs
2. Pain when performing at least two of the following activities: (1) bending over, (2) activities of daily living (ADLs), (3) walking, and (4) climbing stairs
2. Pain when performing one of the following activities: (1) bending over, (2) activities of daily living (ADLs), (3) walking, and (4) climbing stairs
Irreparable hernia (new or recurrent) present for 12 months or more; with hernia size smaller than 3 cm
Asymptomatic hernia; present and repairable, or repaired
What Raters Look For
Based on M21-1 adjudication criteria for Digestive conditions. These are the factors a VA rater evaluates when assigning a rating percentage.
M21-1 III.iv.4.D- •Weight loss — documented weight changes in treatment records
- •Frequency and severity of symptoms: pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- •Dietary restrictions required due to the condition
- •Need for surgical intervention, feeding tubes, or colostomy
- •Imaging and endoscopy findings (scope reports, biopsy results)
- •Hepatic function if liver disease is involved: bilirubin, albumin, INR, Child-Pugh score