Chronic Anal Fissure

DC 7336Digestive38 CFR 4.114, DC 7336

A persistent tear in the lining of the anal canal that causes pain and bleeding during bowel movements. Chronic fissures do not heal on their own and often require ongoing treatment or surgery. The VA rates anal fissures based on the severity of symptoms.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on the type, severity, and frequency of your symptoms. The examiner will evaluate your specific symptoms and how they affect your daily life and ability to work.

Diagnostic code

DC 7336

Rating range

0% – 20%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.114, DC 7336. 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 a severe chronic anal fissure that has not healed despite treatment, causing constant pain, frequent bleeding, and possible need for surgery. You may have had one or more surgical repairs.

What the VA looks for

Non-healing fissure despite treatment
Constant pain affecting daily activities
Frequent rectal bleeding
Failed conservative treatments documented
Surgical repair (lateral internal sphincterotomy) performed or recommended
Impact on employment and daily life

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the chronic nature of the fissure — a single episode may be rated as acute and healed. You need records showing the fissure has persisted or recurred over time despite treatment.
⚠Not describing the pain and its impact on daily life — chronic anal fissure pain can be severe enough to affect sitting, working, and physical activity. Describe these limitations in detail.
⚠Not connecting the condition to service-related causes — field conditions, diet changes, prolonged sitting in vehicles, and stress during deployment can all cause or worsen anal fissures.
⚠Not claiming secondary conditions — chronic constipation, medication side effects, and anxiety about bowel movements can all be claimed as secondary to the anal fissure.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Intestinal Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on the type, severity, and frequency of your symptoms. The examiner will evaluate your specific symptoms and how they affect your daily life and ability to work.

Diagnostic code

DC 7336

Rating range

0% – 20%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have a severe chronic anal fissure that has not healed despite treatment, causing constant pain, frequent bleeding, and possible need for surgery. You may have had one or more surgical repairs.

What the VA looks for

Non-healing fissure despite treatment
Constant pain affecting daily activities
Frequent rectal bleeding
Failed conservative treatments documented
Surgical repair (lateral internal sphincterotomy) performed or recommended
Impact on employment and daily life

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the chronic nature of the fissure — a single episode may be rated as acute and healed. You need records showing the fissure has persisted or recurred over time despite treatment.

⚠Not describing the pain and its impact on daily life — chronic anal fissure pain can be severe enough to affect sitting, working, and physical activity. Describe these limitations in detail.

⚠Not connecting the condition to service-related causes — field conditions, diet changes, prolonged sitting in vehicles, and stress during deployment can all cause or worsen anal fissures.

⚠Not claiming secondary conditions — chronic constipation, medication side effects, and anxiety about bowel movements can all be claimed as secondary to the anal fissure.