Chronic Dysentery

DC 7322Digestive38 CFR 4.114, DC 7322

A chronic intestinal infection causing bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. Often contracted during military service in tropical or developing regions. The VA rates chronic dysentery based on the severity and frequency of symptoms and their 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 7322

Rating range

0% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.114, DC 7322. 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 chronic dysentery with marked malnutrition, anemia, and general debility. Your condition significantly impairs your daily activities and work capacity.

What the VA looks for

Marked malnutrition and significant weight loss
Anemia from chronic blood loss
General debility affecting daily functioning
Frequent hospitalizations for severe episodes
Serious complications documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the in-service exposure — records of deployment to regions where dysentery is endemic, and any in-service treatment for dysentery, are essential for establishing service connection.
⚠Not getting stool cultures during active episodes — positive cultures confirm ongoing or recurrent infection and differentiate chronic dysentery from other GI conditions.
⚠Not documenting nutritional decline — serial weight measurements, albumin levels, and hemoglobin values showing anemia are objective evidence of the severity.
⚠Not reporting the full functional impact — describe how frequent episodes of bloody diarrhea affect your ability to work, travel, and participate in daily activities.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Infectious Intestinal Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

Chronic Dysentery

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 7322

Rating range

0% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have severe chronic dysentery with marked malnutrition, anemia, and general debility. Your condition significantly impairs your daily activities and work capacity.

What the VA looks for

Marked malnutrition and significant weight loss
Anemia from chronic blood loss
General debility affecting daily functioning
Frequent hospitalizations for severe episodes
Serious complications documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the in-service exposure — records of deployment to regions where dysentery is endemic, and any in-service treatment for dysentery, are essential for establishing service connection.

⚠Not getting stool cultures during active episodes — positive cultures confirm ongoing or recurrent infection and differentiate chronic dysentery from other GI conditions.

⚠Not documenting nutritional decline — serial weight measurements, albumin levels, and hemoglobin values showing anemia are objective evidence of the severity.

⚠Not reporting the full functional impact — describe how frequent episodes of bloody diarrhea affect your ability to work, travel, and participate in daily activities.