Intestinal Fistula

DC 7330Digestive38 CFR 4.114, DC 7330

An abnormal connection between the intestine and another organ or the skin surface. The VA rates intestinal fistula based on the severity of discharge, nutritional impact, and how much the condition impairs your health and daily functioning.

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 7330

Rating range

30% – 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 a copious and uncontrollable intestinal fistula with persistent fecal discharge causing severe nutritional impairment and general debility.

What the VA looks for

Copious and uncontrollable fecal discharge
Severe nutritional impairment or malnutrition
General debility documented
Inability to maintain employment
Frequent hospitalizations or surgical interventions

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the frequency and volume of fistula discharge — the rating criteria distinguish between slight, moderate (constant/frequent), and copious discharge, so keeping a daily log is critical.
⚠Not photographing fistula drainage and protective appliances — visual evidence of the discharge burden strengthens your claim significantly.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions such as skin infections around the fistula site, depression from the social impact, or malnutrition from intestinal losses.
⚠Not connecting the fistula to prior abdominal surgery or Crohn's disease that occurred during or was aggravated by military service.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Intestinal Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7330

Rating range

30% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have a copious and uncontrollable intestinal fistula with persistent fecal discharge causing severe nutritional impairment and general debility.

What the VA looks for

Copious and uncontrollable fecal discharge
Severe nutritional impairment or malnutrition
General debility documented
Inability to maintain employment
Frequent hospitalizations or surgical interventions

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the frequency and volume of fistula discharge — the rating criteria distinguish between slight, moderate (constant/frequent), and copious discharge, so keeping a daily log is critical.

⚠Not photographing fistula drainage and protective appliances — visual evidence of the discharge burden strengthens your claim significantly.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions such as skin infections around the fistula site, depression from the social impact, or malnutrition from intestinal losses.

⚠Not connecting the fistula to prior abdominal surgery or Crohn's disease that occurred during or was aggravated by military service.