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Evidence checklist

Colostomy / Ileostomy

DC 732938 CFR § 4.114Digestive

Evidence strength

Mark what you already have below and your evidence strength appears here.

Target
Saved locally
01

Specialist opinion

Highest value0 of 1 collected
Nexus opinion linking ostomy to service ("at least as likely as not")Critical

A medical opinion connecting ostomy creation to service-connected bowel disease, colorectal trauma sustained during service, or service-connected malignancy requiring bowel diversion.

Private provider · independent opinion
02

Treating physician

0 of 1 collected
Current ostomy care records and complications documentationCritical

Records from your ostomy nurse (CWOCN) or colorectal surgeon documenting stoma complications (prolapse, retraction, hernia, stenosis, skin breakdown), appliance requirements, and care needs.

Your treating provider · written request
03

Treatment records

0 of 2 collected
Perineal wound documentation (after APR, if applicable)

Records documenting perineal wound status following abdominoperineal resection, including healing, chronic wound care, sinus tracts, and pain — relevant for separate perineal rating.

VA or private records · written request
Peristomal skin complication records

Dermatology or ostomy records documenting peristomal dermatitis, skin breakdown, irritant contact dermatitis, or allergic reactions to ostomy appliances requiring ongoing treatment.

VA or private records · written request
04

Lay statements

0 of 3 collected
Functional impact statement (employment, social, hygiene limitations)

Personal statement or physician documentation of how the ostomy affects employment options, social activities, intimate relationships, and daily hygiene routines.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
Buddy statement from spouse, family, or fellow service member

A written statement from someone who can describe observable symptoms and how your condition affects daily life.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
Personal statement describing symptoms and functional impact

Your own written account of how this condition affects your daily activities, work, and relationships. Describe your worst days.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
05

Benefits questionnaire

0 of 1 collected
Completed DBQ Intestinal Conditions (other than Small or Large Intestine)Critical

Standardized form capturing ostomy type, permanence, complications, skin breakdown, and overall functional impact. Under DC 7329 the operative history drives the rating: a partial colectomy with a permanent colostomy or ileostomy is 40%, a total colectomy is 60%, and a total colectomy with an ileostomy plus high-output syndrome and more than two dehydration episodes needing IV fluids in the past year is 100%.

Provider-completed · VA DBQ formHow to get this →
06

Service records

0 of 2 collected
Surgical records documenting ostomy creation (type, indication, date)Critical

Operative reports documenting the type of diversion (end colostomy, loop colostomy, end ileostomy, loop ileostomy), indication for surgery, and whether the ostomy is permanent or temporary.

NPRC / milConnect · SF-180
Service treatment records (STRs)Critical

Military medical records showing in-service treatment, complaints, or injuries related to this condition.

NPRC / milConnect · SF-180
Condition guideRating criteria and what VA looks forBuddy statement builderGuided VA Form 21-10210

What you mark here is saved in this browser, on this device only — not to an account. Changing the target rating shows different items, but never loses what you have already marked.