Appendectomy Residuals

DC 7805Digestive38 CFR 4.118, DC 7805; 38 CFR 4.114, DC 7301

Lasting effects after surgical removal of the appendix, which may include abdominal pain, scar complications, adhesions, or digestive problems. The VA rates appendectomy residuals based on the severity of scars and any resulting functional impairment such as adhesions or chronic pain.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how much it affects your ability to work and carry out daily activities. The examiner will focus on the functional limitations your condition causes, not just the diagnosis itself.

Diagnostic code

DC 7805

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.118, DC 7805; 38 CFR 4.114, DC 7301. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

You have moderate adhesions from the appendectomy causing pulling pain, occasional episodes of partial obstruction with colic and nausea, and sometimes vomiting.

What the VA looks for

Moderate adhesions documented on imaging
Episodes of partial bowel obstruction
Nausea and vomiting episodes documented
Impact on work and daily activities
Medical records showing repeated evaluations for abdominal pain

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not claiming adhesions separately from the scar — the scar itself can be rated under DC 7804 for painful scars, and adhesions can be rated under DC 7301, potentially giving you two separate ratings.
⚠Not documenting ongoing abdominal pain after appendectomy — many veterans assume post-surgical pain is normal and do not report it, but chronic pain from adhesions is ratable.
⚠Not connecting emergency appendectomy during active duty to current symptoms — keep copies of your service treatment records showing the surgery and any complications.
⚠Not reporting all symptoms at the C&P exam including bowel changes, pulling pain with movement, and any partial obstruction episodes — these support the adhesion rating criteria.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Scars / Disfigurement
DBQ Intestinal Conditions (Other Than Surgical or Infectious)

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Appendectomy Residuals

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7805

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have moderate adhesions from the appendectomy causing pulling pain, occasional episodes of partial obstruction with colic and nausea, and sometimes vomiting.

What the VA looks for

Moderate adhesions documented on imaging
Episodes of partial bowel obstruction
Nausea and vomiting episodes documented
Impact on work and daily activities
Medical records showing repeated evaluations for abdominal pain

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not claiming adhesions separately from the scar — the scar itself can be rated under DC 7804 for painful scars, and adhesions can be rated under DC 7301, potentially giving you two separate ratings.

⚠Not documenting ongoing abdominal pain after appendectomy — many veterans assume post-surgical pain is normal and do not report it, but chronic pain from adhesions is ratable.

⚠Not connecting emergency appendectomy during active duty to current symptoms — keep copies of your service treatment records showing the surgery and any complications.

⚠Not reporting all symptoms at the C&P exam including bowel changes, pulling pain with movement, and any partial obstruction episodes — these support the adhesion rating criteria.