Diverticulitis

DC 7327Digestive38 CFR 4.114, DC 7327

A digestive condition where small pouches in the colon wall become inflamed or infected, causing abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits. The VA rates diverticulitis based on the frequency and severity of flare-ups.

Rating Levels

You have moderately severe to severe diverticulitis with frequent episodes requiring medical treatment and significant abdominal distress.

What the VA looks for

Frequent episodes requiring medical treatment
Significant abdominal distress documented
Multiple antibiotic courses per year
Hospitalization for severe episodes
Impact on daily activities and work

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not distinguishing between diverticulosis (pouches present) and diverticulitis (pouches inflamed) — the rating is based on symptoms, not just the presence of pouches.
⚠Not documenting every infection episode with treatment records — antibiotics, ER visits, and hospitalizations all matter.
⚠If you had surgery (colectomy or bowel resection), you may be rated under a different diagnostic code for intestinal resection which may yield a higher rating.
⚠Not connecting diverticulitis to a diet forced by military service conditions.

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…