Colitis, ulcerative — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 7323)
The VA rates Colitis, ulcerative under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.114, Diagnostic Code 7323, from 0% to 100% based on the frequency and functional severity of symptoms. The maximum 100% rating requires Ulcerative colitis, marked with severe constitutional symptoms: Requiring colectomy; or with constant, debilitating symptoms and severe malnutrition; profound anemia (hemoglobin < 7 g/dL); weight loss…. Related conditions in the Digestive body system share this rating framework.
What are the VA rating criteria for Colitis, ulcerative?
Rate as Crohn's disease or undifferentiated form of inflammatory bowel disease (DC 7326).
Ulcerative colitis, mild: Remission with occasional exacerbations; diarrhea less than 3 times daily; minimal rectal bleeding; maintained body weight and hemoglobin.
Ulcerative colitis, moderate: Four to six stools per day with blood; anemia; impairment of health with weight loss; or with systemic manifestations (arthritis, uveitis, skin lesions); requires regular use of corticosteroids or immunosuppressants.
Ulcerative colitis, severe: Six or more stools per day with blood; with significant anemia (hemoglobin < 10 g/dL); with significant weight loss (10% or more of body weight); with frequent hospitalizations; or with complications (abscess, fistula, perforation).
Ulcerative colitis, marked with severe constitutional symptoms: Requiring colectomy; or with constant, debilitating symptoms and severe malnutrition; profound anemia (hemoglobin < 7 g/dL); weight loss > 20%; or active disease requiring continuous high-dose corticosteroids/biologics with inability to maintain nutrition.
“Ulcerative colitis, moderate: Four to six stools per day with blood; anemia; impairment of health with weight loss; or with systemic manifestations (arthritis, uveitis, skin lesions); requires regular use of corticosteroids or immunosuppressants.”
How does the VA rate Digestive conditions?
Common Questions About Colitis, ulcerative VA Ratings
What is the VA disability rating for Colitis, ulcerative?
The VA rates Colitis, ulcerative under Diagnostic Code 7323 at the following tiers: 0%, 10%, 30%, 60%, 100%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Rate as Crohn's disease or undifferentiated form of inflammatory bowel disease (DC 7326).. The maximum 100% rating requires: Ulcerative colitis, marked with severe constitutional symptoms: Requiring colectomy; or with constant, debilitating symptoms and severe malnutrition; profound anemia (hemoglobin < 7 g/dL); weight loss > 20%; or active disease requiring continuous high-dose corticosteroids/biologics with inability to maintain nutrition..
What is Diagnostic Code 7323?
Diagnostic Code 7323 is the VA rating identifier for Colitis, ulcerative within 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.114. It defines the specific symptom criteria and percentage thresholds a VA adjudicator uses to assign a disability rating. The diagnostic code is listed on a veteran's rating decision letter.
What is the highest rating for Colitis, ulcerative?
The highest schedular rating for Colitis, ulcerative under DC 7323 is 100%. This tier requires: Ulcerative colitis, marked with severe constitutional symptoms: Requiring colectomy; or with constant, debilitating symptoms and severe malnutrition; profound anemia (hemoglobin < 7 g/dL); weight loss > 20%; or active disease requiring continuous high-dose corticosteroids/biologics with inability to maintain nutrition.. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Colitis, ulcerative alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions may also qualify for TDIU at the 100% compensation rate under 38 CFR § 4.16.
What 38 CFR section governs Colitis, ulcerative ratings?
Colitis, ulcerative is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.114, Diagnostic Code 7323. This section is part of the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and can be read in full at the eCFR website.
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Colitis, ulcerative?
Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by Colitis, ulcerative may be ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. Veterans should work with a VSO or accredited claims agent to document the medical relationship.
What evidence do I need to establish service connection for Colitis, ulcerative?
Service connection for Colitis, ulcerative requires three elements: (1) a current diagnosis of the condition, (2) an in-service event, injury, or disease that may have caused or aggravated it, and (3) a medical nexus connecting the current diagnosis to that in-service event. A nexus letter from a treating physician or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence. C&P exam findings can also establish nexus if adequately documented.
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