Colitis (Moderate)

DC 7323Digestive38 CFR 4.114, DC 7323 (rated as DC 7326)

Inflammation of the colon that is not classified as ulcerative colitis. Includes non-specific colitis and other forms of chronic colonic inflammation. As of May 19, 2024, non-specific chronic colitis is rated as inflammatory bowel disease under DC 7323/7326 — based on the treatment it requires (oral/topical medications versus immunosuppressants or biologic agents), how many episodes of diarrhea you have per day, and signs of toxicity (fever, rapid heart rate, anemia). (Radiation or ischemic colitis may instead be rated under the code that best fits that specific condition.) For claims pending before May 19, 2024, the VA must apply whichever is more favorable.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on the type and intensity of treatment you require. Higher ratings correspond to more aggressive treatment regimens, such as daily medication, insulin dependence, or the need for ongoing medical management.

Diagnostic code

DC 7323

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.114, DC 7323 (rated as DC 7326). 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 severe colitis that does not respond to treatment, requires hospitalization at least once a year, and either makes you unable to work or causes recurrent abdominal pain with at least two of: six or more episodes of diarrhea per day, six or more episodes of rectal bleeding per day, recurrent loss of bowel control, or recurrent abdominal distension.

What the VA looks for

Unresponsive to treatment; hospitalization at least once per year
Inability to work, OR recurrent abdominal pain with 2+ of: 6+ diarrhea/day, 6+ rectal bleeding/day, recurrent incontinence, recurrent distension

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting colonoscopy during flare-ups to document active inflammation — biopsy results showing active colitis carry more weight than symptom reports alone.
⚠Not documenting your treatment type and daily diarrhea count — under DC 7326 the rating turns on whether you are managed with oral/topical agents (10-30%) versus immunosuppressants or biologic agents (60%), plus how many episodes of diarrhea you have per day and any signs of toxicity.
⚠Not distinguishing your colitis type — make sure your records identify the type (infectious, radiation, ischemic, etc.), because radiation or ischemic colitis may be evaluated under a different, better-fitting diagnostic code.
⚠Not connecting colitis to a service-related cause — radiation exposure, medication side effects (NSAIDs from service-connected pain conditions), or infectious exposure during deployment are common nexus pathways.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Intestinal Conditions (Other Than Surgical or Infectious)

See secondary conditions →

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Colitis (Moderate) or rated under the same body system.

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

DC 7206·Digestive

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Hepatitis C

Crohn's Disease

Hemorrhoids

Ulcerative Colitis

Hiatal Hernia

Liver Cirrhosis

Condition Rating Guides

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

Colitis (Moderate)

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7323

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Unresponsive to treatment; hospitalization at least once per year
Inability to work, OR recurrent abdominal pain with 2+ of: 6+ diarrhea/day, 6+ rectal bleeding/day, recurrent incontinence, recurrent distension

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting colonoscopy during flare-ups to document active inflammation — biopsy results showing active colitis carry more weight than symptom reports alone.

⚠Not documenting your treatment type and daily diarrhea count — under DC 7326 the rating turns on whether you are managed with oral/topical agents (10-30%) versus immunosuppressants or biologic agents (60%), plus how many episodes of diarrhea you have per day and any signs of toxicity.

⚠Not distinguishing your colitis type — make sure your records identify the type (infectious, radiation, ischemic, etc.), because radiation or ischemic colitis may be evaluated under a different, better-fitting diagnostic code.

⚠Not connecting colitis to a service-related cause — radiation exposure, medication side effects (NSAIDs from service-connected pain conditions), or infectious exposure during deployment are common nexus pathways.