Intestinal fistulous disease, external
The VA rates Intestinal fistulous disease, external under Diagnostic Code 7330 across 3 severity levels, from 30% to 100%. The applicable level depends on the full criteria and the evidence for the condition. These percentages are alternatives, not amounts to add together.
Rating schedule — DC 7330 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 30%
- Maximum rating
- 100%
- Rating tiers
- 3
- CFR section
- § 4.114
- Body system
- Digestive System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
Full schedular disability
30%, 60%, 100%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Intestinal fistulous disease, external?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 30% | Intermittent fecal discharge with persistent drainage for more than 3 months in the past 12 months |
| 60% | Requiring enteral nutritional support along with at least one of the following: (1) daily discharge equivalent to three or less ostomy bags (sized 130 cc), (2) requiring fewer than ten pad changes per day, or (3) a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 16 to 18 inclusive and persistent drainage (any amount) for more than 2 months in the past 12 months |
| 100% | Requiring total parenteral nutrition (TPN); or enteral nutritional support along with at least one of the following: (1) daily discharge equivalent to four or more ostomy bags (sized 130 cc), (2) requiring ten or more pad changes per day, or (3) a Body Mass Index (BMI) less than 16 and persistent drainage (any amount) for more than 1 month during the past 12 months |
“Requiring enteral nutritional support along with at least one of the following: (1) daily discharge equivalent to three or less ostomy bags (sized 130 cc), (2) requiring fewer than ten pad changes per day, or (3) a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 16 to 18 inclusive and persistent drainage (any amount) for more than 2 months in the past 12 months”
What other digestive conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Intestinal fistulous disease, external in 38 CFR Part 4. The rating schedule is ordered anatomically, so neighbouring codes usually cover the same joint, organ, or system, and a claim often involves more than one of them.
- 7325Enteritis, chronicRated up to 0%
- 7326Crohn's disease or undifferentiated form of inflammatory bowel diseaseRated up to 100%
- 7327Diverticulitis and diverticulosisRated up to 30%
- 7328Intestine, small, resection ofRated up to 80%
- 7329Intestine, large, resection ofRated up to 100%
- 7331Peritonitis, tuberculous, active or inactiveRated up to 100%
- 7332Rectum and anus, impairment of sphincter controlRated up to 100%
- 7333Rectum and anus, stricture ofRated up to 100%
- 7334Rectum, prolapse ofRated up to 100%
- 7335Ano, fistula in, including anorectal fistula and anorectal abscessRated up to 60%
Common Questions About Intestinal fistulous disease, external VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Intestinal fistulous disease, external?
The VA rates Intestinal fistulous disease, external under Diagnostic Code 7330 at 30%, 60%, 100%. The minimum 30% rating requires: Intermittent fecal discharge with persistent drainage for more than 3 months in the past 12 months. The maximum 100% rating requires: Requiring total parenteral nutrition (TPN); or enteral nutritional support along with at least one of the following: (1) daily discharge equivalent to four or more ostomy bags (sized 130 cc), (2) requiring ten or more pad changes per day, or (3) a Body Mass Index (BMI) less than 16 and persistent drainage (any amount) for more than 1 month during the past 12 months.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Intestinal fistulous disease, external?
The VA rates Intestinal fistulous disease, external under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7330, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.114. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 30% and a 100% rating for Intestinal fistulous disease, external?
A 30% rating requires: Intermittent fecal discharge with persistent drainage for more than 3 months in the past 12 months. A 100% rating requires: Requiring total parenteral nutrition (TPN); or enteral nutritional support along with at least one of the following: (1) daily discharge equivalent to four or more ostomy bags (sized 130 cc), (2) requiring ten or more pad changes per day, or (3) a Body Mass Index (BMI) less than 16 and persistent drainage (any amount) for more than 1 month during the past 12 months. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Intestinal fistulous disease, external qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 100% rating for Intestinal fistulous disease, external alone meets the single-disability threshold for TDIU (38 CFR § 4.16). If the condition prevents substantially gainful employment, the veteran is compensated at the 100% rate without a schedular 100% rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Intestinal fistulous disease, external?
The key evidence for Intestinal fistulous disease, external is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. Treatment records showing worsening symptoms, functional limitations documented by your provider, and buddy statements describing observable impact on daily life all strengthen the claim. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.
What happens at the C&P exam for Intestinal fistulous disease, external?
The C&P examiner uses a Digestive System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 7330 rating criteria. The examiner documents symptom frequency, severity, and functional impact. Bring all treatment records and describe your worst days, not your best — the VA rates on the full clinical picture across time, not a snapshot of one good day.
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