Colitis (Moderate)

DC 7320Digestive38 CFR 4.114, DC 7320

Inflammation of the colon that is not classified as ulcerative colitis. Includes non-specific colitis, radiation colitis, and other forms of chronic colonic inflammation. The VA rates colitis based on the severity and frequency of symptoms including diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nutritional impact.

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 7320

Rating range

0% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.114, DC 7320. 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 with marked malnutrition, anemia, and general debility. Or you have serious complications such as fistula or abscess.

What the VA looks for

Marked malnutrition and weight loss
Anemia documented on lab work
General debility affecting daily functioning
Serious complications (abscess, fistula)
Hospitalizations for colitis flares

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 distinguishing your colitis type — ensure your medical records clearly identify the type (infectious, radiation, ischemic, etc.) as this affects how the VA evaluates the claim.
⚠Not documenting the impact on nutrition — weight loss, lab work showing malnutrition markers (albumin, prealbumin), and dietary restrictions all support higher ratings.
⚠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)

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

Colitis (Moderate)

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 7320

Rating range

0% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have severe colitis with marked malnutrition, anemia, and general debility. Or you have serious complications such as fistula or abscess.

What the VA looks for

Marked malnutrition and weight loss
Anemia documented on lab work
General debility affecting daily functioning
Serious complications (abscess, fistula)
Hospitalizations for colitis flares

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 distinguishing your colitis type — ensure your medical records clearly identify the type (infectious, radiation, ischemic, etc.) as this affects how the VA evaluates the claim.

⚠Not documenting the impact on nutrition — weight loss, lab work showing malnutrition markers (albumin, prealbumin), and dietary restrictions all support higher ratings.

⚠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.