Criteria: Table 6-9 Criteria for Rating Permanent Impairment Due to Herniation (136)
Guidance: To have ratable impairment, there must be a palpable defect in supporting structures of the abdominal wall. In most circumstances repairs of hernias are successful; if there is a history of hernias, this was treated surgically, and there is no evidence at maximal medical improvement of a palpable defect in supporting structures of the abdominal wall, there is no ratable impairment. If there is a palpable defect, the impairment class is determined by the extent of the protustion and consideration of discomfort and limitations in activities of daily living.
