Rectal Stricture

DC 7333Digestive38 CFR 4.114, DC 7333

A narrowing of the rectum that obstructs the passage of stool, often resulting from surgery, radiation therapy, inflammatory bowel disease, or chronic infection. The VA rates rectal stricture based on the degree of obstruction, the need for dilation procedures, and how severely it affects bowel function.

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 7333

Rating range

0% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.114, DC 7333. 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 severe rectal stricture with near-complete obstruction requiring frequent dilation or surgical intervention. You may have required a diverting colostomy due to the severity of the obstruction.

What the VA looks for

Near-complete rectal obstruction on imaging
Frequent dilation procedures (monthly or more)
Surgical intervention including possible colostomy
Severe bowel dysfunction limiting all activities
Multiple hospitalizations for obstruction

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting proctoscopy or imaging to objectively document the degree of narrowing — the VA needs to see the stricture measured and described. A digital rectal exam alone may not adequately convey the severity.
⚠Not documenting dilation procedures — keep records of every dilation including the date, the size of the stricture before and after, and whether the procedure provided relief. Frequency of dilations is a key rating factor.
⚠Not connecting the stricture to its cause — rectal strictures commonly result from service-connected surgeries, radiation for service-connected cancer, or inflammatory conditions. The nexus must be clearly established.
⚠Not describing the full functional impact — explain how the stricture affects your daily routine, including time spent in the bathroom, need for enemas, dietary restrictions, and social limitations.

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…

Rectal Stricture

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 7333

Rating range

0% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Near-complete rectal obstruction on imaging
Frequent dilation procedures (monthly or more)
Surgical intervention including possible colostomy
Severe bowel dysfunction limiting all activities
Multiple hospitalizations for obstruction

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting proctoscopy or imaging to objectively document the degree of narrowing — the VA needs to see the stricture measured and described. A digital rectal exam alone may not adequately convey the severity.

⚠Not documenting dilation procedures — keep records of every dilation including the date, the size of the stricture before and after, and whether the procedure provided relief. Frequency of dilations is a key rating factor.

⚠Not connecting the stricture to its cause — rectal strictures commonly result from service-connected surgeries, radiation for service-connected cancer, or inflammatory conditions. The nexus must be clearly established.

⚠Not describing the full functional impact — explain how the stricture affects your daily routine, including time spent in the bathroom, need for enemas, dietary restrictions, and social limitations.