Hemorrhoids

DC 7336Digestive38 CFR 4.114, DC 7336

Swollen blood vessels in the rectal area causing pain, itching, and bleeding. Common in veterans from prolonged sitting, heavy lifting, and field conditions during service. As of May 19, 2024, the VA rates hemorrhoids under DC 7336 based on how many thrombosis (clotting) episodes you have per year, whether internal hemorrhoids stay prolapsed, and whether you have persistent bleeding with anemia. For claims pending before May 19, 2024, the VA must apply whichever is more favorable: the new DC 7336 criteria or the old version.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how often symptoms occur and how severe each episode is. The examiner will ask about the frequency, duration, and intensity of your episodes, as well as how they affect your ability to work.

Diagnostic code

DC 7336

Rating range

0% – 20%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.114, DC 7336. 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 internal or external hemorrhoids with persistent bleeding and anemia, or continuously prolapsed internal hemorrhoids with three or more episodes of thrombosis per year. This is the maximum rating for hemorrhoids.

What the VA looks for

Persistent bleeding with anemia on lab work, OR
Continuously prolapsed internal hemorrhoids with 3 or more thrombosis episodes per year
Provider records documenting bleeding, anemia, or thrombosis episodes

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting thrombosis (clotting) episodes — under DC 7336 the 10% and 20% levels depend on how many thrombosis episodes you have per year, so have each one recorded by a provider.
⚠Not documenting whether internal hemorrhoids stay prolapsed (continuously prolapsed) versus reducing on their own — continuous prolapse with three or more thrombosis episodes a year supports the 20% level.
⚠Not getting blood work showing anemia from chronic bleeding — persistent bleeding with anemia is one path to the 20% rating.
⚠Assuming anal fissures raise the hemorrhoid rating — under the current schedule fissures are rated separately under DC 7335, not as part of DC 7336.
⚠Not connecting to heavy lifting duties or prolonged vehicle operation during service — these are common causes of hemorrhoids in veterans. If your claim was pending before May 19, 2024, ask that both the old and new DC 7336 criteria be considered.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Intestinal Conditions

View evidence checklist →C&P exam prep guide →See secondary conditions →

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Hemorrhoids or rated under the same body system.

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

DC 7206·Digestive

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Hepatitis C

Crohn's Disease

Ulcerative Colitis

Hiatal Hernia

Liver Cirrhosis

Pancreatitis

Condition Rating Guides

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Hemorrhoids

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7336

Rating range

0% – 20%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Persistent bleeding with anemia on lab work, OR
Continuously prolapsed internal hemorrhoids with 3 or more thrombosis episodes per year
Provider records documenting bleeding, anemia, or thrombosis episodes

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting thrombosis (clotting) episodes — under DC 7336 the 10% and 20% levels depend on how many thrombosis episodes you have per year, so have each one recorded by a provider.

⚠Not documenting whether internal hemorrhoids stay prolapsed (continuously prolapsed) versus reducing on their own — continuous prolapse with three or more thrombosis episodes a year supports the 20% level.

⚠Not getting blood work showing anemia from chronic bleeding — persistent bleeding with anemia is one path to the 20% rating.

⚠Assuming anal fissures raise the hemorrhoid rating — under the current schedule fissures are rated separately under DC 7335, not as part of DC 7336.

⚠Not connecting to heavy lifting duties or prolonged vehicle operation during service — these are common causes of hemorrhoids in veterans. If your claim was pending before May 19, 2024, ask that both the old and new DC 7336 criteria be considered.