Colostomy Residuals

DC 7330Digestive38 CFR 4.114, DC 7330

Residual effects of a colostomy — a surgical procedure that diverts part of the colon through an opening in the abdominal wall to create a stoma for waste elimination. The VA rates colostomy residuals based on the degree of fecal leakage, need for a colostomy bag, skin complications, and the functional impact on daily living.

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 7330

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.114, DC 7330. 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 complete loss of sphincter control with constant, uncontrollable fecal discharge that cannot be managed with any appliance. Your condition may involve multiple stoma revisions, fistulae, or complications rendering you unable to perform most daily activities without assistance.

What the VA looks for

Complete loss of sphincter control
Constant uncontrollable fecal discharge
Inability to manage with any appliance system
Multiple stoma revision surgeries
Inability to perform daily activities without assistance

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting appliance changes and supply usage — keep a log of how often you change your colostomy bag and how many supplies you use per month. This quantifies the severity of leakage.
⚠Not photographing peristomal skin complications — skin breakdown, irritation, and infection around the stoma are key rating factors. Regular photographs at each wound care visit provide compelling evidence.
⚠Not connecting the colostomy to service — the surgery that led to the colostomy must be traced to a service-connected condition. Common pathways include combat injuries, service-connected colorectal cancer, or complications of service-connected Crohn's disease.
⚠Not claiming secondary conditions — depression and anxiety secondary to living with a colostomy are well-established. Peristomal hernia, skin conditions, and nutritional deficiencies may also warrant separate ratings.

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…

Colostomy Residuals

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7330

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Complete loss of sphincter control
Constant uncontrollable fecal discharge
Inability to manage with any appliance system
Multiple stoma revision surgeries
Inability to perform daily activities without assistance

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting appliance changes and supply usage — keep a log of how often you change your colostomy bag and how many supplies you use per month. This quantifies the severity of leakage.

⚠Not photographing peristomal skin complications — skin breakdown, irritation, and infection around the stoma are key rating factors. Regular photographs at each wound care visit provide compelling evidence.

⚠Not connecting the colostomy to service — the surgery that led to the colostomy must be traced to a service-connected condition. Common pathways include combat injuries, service-connected colorectal cancer, or complications of service-connected Crohn's disease.

⚠Not claiming secondary conditions — depression and anxiety secondary to living with a colostomy are well-established. Peristomal hernia, skin conditions, and nutritional deficiencies may also warrant separate ratings.