Rectum and anus, impairment of sphincter control
The VA rates Rectum and anus, impairment of sphincter control under Diagnostic Code 7332 across 5 severity levels, from 0% to 100%. At 100%, veterans receive $3939/month or more in compensation.
Rating schedule — DC 7332 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 0%
- Maximum rating
- 100%
- Rating tiers
- 5
- CFR section
- § 4.114
- Body system
- Digestive System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
Full schedular disability
0%, 10%, 30%, 60%, 100%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Rectum and anus, impairment of sphincter control?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | History of loss of sphincter control, currently asymptomatic |
| 10% | Complete or partial loss of sphincter control characterized by incontinence or retention that is fully responsive to a physician-prescribed bowel program and requires medication or special diet; or incontinence to solids and/or liquids at least once every six months, which requires wearing a pad at least once every six months |
| 30% | Complete or partial loss of sphincter control characterized by incontinence or retention that is fully responsive to a physician-prescribed bowel program and requires digital stimulation, medication (beyond laxative use), and special diet; or incontinence to solids and/or liquids two or more times per month, which requires wearing a pad two or more times per month |
| 60% | Complete or partial loss of sphincter control characterized by incontinence or retention that is partially responsive to a physician-prescribed bowel program and requires either surgery or digital stimulation, medication (beyond laxative use), and special diet; or incontinence to solids and/or liquids two or more times per week, which requires wearing a pad two or more times per week |
| 100% | Complete loss of sphincter control characterized by incontinence or retention that is not responsive to a physician-prescribed bowel program and requires either surgery or digital stimulation, medication (beyond laxative use), and special diet; or incontinence to solids and/or liquids two or more times per day, which requires changing a pad two or more times per day |
“Complete or partial loss of sphincter control characterized by incontinence or retention that is fully responsive to a physician-prescribed bowel program and requires digital stimulation, medication (beyond laxative use), and special diet; or incontinence to solids and/or liquids two or more times per month, which requires wearing a pad two or more times per month”
Common Questions About Rectum and anus, impairment of sphincter control VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Rectum and anus, impairment of sphincter control?
The VA rates Rectum and anus, impairment of sphincter control under Diagnostic Code 7332 at 0%, 10%, 30%, 60%, 100%. The minimum 0% rating requires: History of loss of sphincter control, currently asymptomatic. The maximum 100% rating requires: Complete loss of sphincter control characterized by incontinence or retention that is not responsive to a physician-prescribed bowel program and requires either surgery or digital stimulation, medication (beyond laxative use), and special diet; or incontinence to solids and/or liquids two or more times per day, which requires changing a pad two or more times per day.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Rectum and anus, impairment of sphincter control?
The VA rates Rectum and anus, impairment of sphincter control under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7332, 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 0% and a 100% rating for Rectum and anus, impairment of sphincter control?
A 0% rating requires: History of loss of sphincter control, currently asymptomatic. A 100% rating requires: Complete loss of sphincter control characterized by incontinence or retention that is not responsive to a physician-prescribed bowel program and requires either surgery or digital stimulation, medication (beyond laxative use), and special diet; or incontinence to solids and/or liquids two or more times per day, which requires changing a pad two or more times per day. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Rectum and anus, impairment of sphincter control qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 100% rating for Rectum and anus, impairment of sphincter control 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 Rectum and anus, impairment of sphincter control?
The key evidence for Rectum and anus, impairment of sphincter control 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 Rectum and anus, impairment of sphincter control?
The C&P examiner uses a Digestive System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 7332 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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