Intestinal fistulous disease, external — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 7330)

The VA rates Intestinal fistulous disease, external under Diagnostic Code 7330 at the following tiers: 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.

Diagnostic Code 7330 is the VA rating identifier for Intestinal fistulous disease, external 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.

The highest schedular rating for Intestinal fistulous disease, external under DC 7330 is 100%. This tier 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. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Intestinal fistulous disease, external alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions may also qualify for TDIU at the 100% compensation rate under 38 CFR § 4.16.

Intestinal fistulous disease, external is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.114, Diagnostic Code 7330. This section is part of the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and can be read in full at the eCFR website.

Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by Intestinal fistulous disease, external may be ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. Veterans should work with a VSO or accredited claims agent to document the medical relationship.

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 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.