Chronic Enterocolitis

DC 7325Digestive38 CFR 4.114, DC 7325

Chronic inflammation of the small intestine and colon causing persistent diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and nutritional problems. This includes chronic infectious enterocolitis and non-specific chronic enterocolitis. The VA rates the condition based on the frequency and severity of symptoms and their impact on nutrition and overall health.

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 7325

Rating range

0% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.114, DC 7325. 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 pronounced chronic enterocolitis with marked malnutrition, anemia, and general debility. You have multiple episodes requiring hospitalization, and your condition is refractory to standard treatment.

What the VA looks for

Marked malnutrition documented on labs and clinical exam
Anemia from chronic disease and malabsorption
General debility limiting daily activities
Multiple hospitalizations for acute exacerbations
Complications such as abscess, fistula, or stricture

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting stool studies and colonoscopy to document the diagnosis — the VA needs objective evidence of chronic intestinal inflammation, not just a report of frequent diarrhea.
⚠Not keeping a symptom diary — document the number of bowel movements per day, consistency, presence of blood or mucus, and associated pain. This daily log is powerful evidence of severity.
⚠Not connecting enterocolitis to service — common nexus pathways include infections contracted during deployment, contaminated water exposure (Camp Lejeune), or secondary to immunosuppressive medication for service-connected conditions.
⚠Not documenting nutritional impact — regular lab work showing vitamin deficiencies, low albumin, or anemia from malabsorption directly supports a higher rating.

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…

Chronic Enterocolitis

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 7325

Rating range

0% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Marked malnutrition documented on labs and clinical exam
Anemia from chronic disease and malabsorption
General debility limiting daily activities
Multiple hospitalizations for acute exacerbations
Complications such as abscess, fistula, or stricture

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting stool studies and colonoscopy to document the diagnosis — the VA needs objective evidence of chronic intestinal inflammation, not just a report of frequent diarrhea.

⚠Not keeping a symptom diary — document the number of bowel movements per day, consistency, presence of blood or mucus, and associated pain. This daily log is powerful evidence of severity.

⚠Not connecting enterocolitis to service — common nexus pathways include infections contracted during deployment, contaminated water exposure (Camp Lejeune), or secondary to immunosuppressive medication for service-connected conditions.

⚠Not documenting nutritional impact — regular lab work showing vitamin deficiencies, low albumin, or anemia from malabsorption directly supports a higher rating.