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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.