Intestinal fistulous disease, external
Intestinal fistulous disease, external is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.114, Diagnostic Code 7330, from 30% to 100% based on the frequency and functional severity of symptoms. 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. Most claims establish the 30% or 60% rating before reaching the top tier.
Rating schedule — DC 7330 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 30%
- Maximum rating
- 100%
- Rating tiers
- 3
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 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?
Intermittent fecal discharge with persistent drainage for more than 3 months in 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
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”
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 (Total Disability Individual Unemployability)?
Veterans rated for Intestinal fistulous disease, external may qualify for TDIU if the condition — alone or in combination with other service-connected disabilities — prevents substantially gainful employment. A single disability rated at 60% or higher (or multiple disabilities combining to 70%, with one at 40%) can support a TDIU claim under 38 CFR § 4.16.
What evidence do I need to establish service connection for Intestinal fistulous disease, external?
Service connection for Intestinal fistulous disease, external requires three elements: (1) a current diagnosis of the condition, (2) an in-service event, injury, or disease, and (3) a medical nexus linking the current diagnosis to that in-service occurrence. A nexus letter from a treating or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence.
What is the C&P exam like for Intestinal fistulous disease, external?
A Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam for Intestinal fistulous disease, external uses a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) specific to the body system involved. The examiner documents the frequency, severity, and functional impact of your symptoms. Bring all relevant treatment records and be prepared to describe your worst-day symptoms — the examiner rates your condition based on the full clinical picture, not a single visit.
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