Rectal Cancer Residuals

DC 7343Digestive38 CFR 4.114, DC 7343

Lasting health problems after treatment for rectal cancer, including colostomy, bowel incontinence, and side effects from radiation or chemotherapy. The VA rates these residuals based on what symptoms remain after cancer treatment ends.

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 7343

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.114, DC 7343. 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 active rectal cancer or your residuals are so severe that you cannot work. This includes complete loss of bowel control or complications requiring constant care.

What the VA looks for

Active cancer or ongoing cancer treatment
Complete loss of sphincter control
Total disability from residual complications
Continuous care required
Unable to maintain employment due to residuals

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not filing during active treatment — active cancer and cancer treatment automatically qualify for a 100% rating. File as soon as treatment begins, not after it ends.
⚠Not claiming all residual conditions separately — colostomy, fecal incontinence, radiation enteritis, and neuropathy from chemotherapy can each be rated as separate disabilities.
⚠Not documenting the impact of incontinence on daily life — describe how often accidents happen, how many pads you use per day, and how it affects your ability to work and socialize.
⚠Not connecting the cancer to service-connected exposures — Agent Orange, burn pits, contaminated water (such as Camp Lejeune), and radiation exposure during service are all recognized causes of rectal cancer.

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

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 7343

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have active rectal cancer or your residuals are so severe that you cannot work. This includes complete loss of bowel control or complications requiring constant care.

What the VA looks for

Active cancer or ongoing cancer treatment
Complete loss of sphincter control
Total disability from residual complications
Continuous care required
Unable to maintain employment due to residuals

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not filing during active treatment — active cancer and cancer treatment automatically qualify for a 100% rating. File as soon as treatment begins, not after it ends.

⚠Not claiming all residual conditions separately — colostomy, fecal incontinence, radiation enteritis, and neuropathy from chemotherapy can each be rated as separate disabilities.

⚠Not documenting the impact of incontinence on daily life — describe how often accidents happen, how many pads you use per day, and how it affects your ability to work and socialize.

⚠Not connecting the cancer to service-connected exposures — Agent Orange, burn pits, contaminated water (such as Camp Lejeune), and radiation exposure during service are all recognized causes of rectal cancer.