Small Bowel Obstruction

DC 7328Digestive38 CFR 4.114, DC 7328

Partial or complete blockage of the small intestine, often from adhesions after abdominal surgery during service. Causes severe cramping, nausea, and vomiting.

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 7328

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.114, DC 7328. 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 severe small bowel obstruction with persistent or frequently recurring episodes causing significant debilitation.

What the VA looks for

Persistent or frequently recurring obstructive episodes
Significant debilitation documented
Multiple hospitalizations for obstruction
Impact on daily activities and employment
Surgical intervention considered or performed

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting all abdominal surgeries during service that could cause adhesions — adhesions from prior surgery are the most common cause of small bowel obstruction.
⚠Not getting imaging (X-ray or CT) during obstructive episodes — the 20% rating specifically requires X-ray evidence of partial obstruction.
⚠Not tracking frequency and duration of obstructive episodes — the difference between occasional (10%) and frequent (20%) episodes is critical for your rating.
⚠Emergency room visits for obstruction episodes are strong evidence — always get copies of ER records showing the diagnosis, imaging, and treatment.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Intestinal Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Small Bowel Obstruction or rated under the same body system.

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

DC 7346·Digestive

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Hepatitis C

Crohn's Disease

Hemorrhoids

Ulcerative Colitis

Hiatal Hernia

Liver Cirrhosis

Condition Rating Guides

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

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7328

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have severe small bowel obstruction with persistent or frequently recurring episodes causing significant debilitation.

What the VA looks for

Persistent or frequently recurring obstructive episodes
Significant debilitation documented
Multiple hospitalizations for obstruction
Impact on daily activities and employment
Surgical intervention considered or performed

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting all abdominal surgeries during service that could cause adhesions — adhesions from prior surgery are the most common cause of small bowel obstruction.

⚠Not getting imaging (X-ray or CT) during obstructive episodes — the 20% rating specifically requires X-ray evidence of partial obstruction.

⚠Not tracking frequency and duration of obstructive episodes — the difference between occasional (10%) and frequent (20%) episodes is critical for your rating.

⚠Emergency room visits for obstruction episodes are strong evidence — always get copies of ER records showing the diagnosis, imaging, and treatment.