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Evidence checklist

Crohn's Disease

DC 732638 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 3 collected
Colonoscopy with ileoscopy showing transmural inflammation and skip lesionsCritical

Colonoscopy report documenting characteristic Crohn's findings — skip lesions, cobblestoning, strictures, fistulas, or perianal involvement — with extent of disease mapped.

Private provider · independent opinion
Biopsy confirming granulomatous inflammationCritical

Pathology report from colonoscopic or surgical biopsies showing transmural granulomatous inflammation consistent with Crohn's disease.

Private provider · independent opinion
Nexus opinion linking Crohn's disease to service ("at least as likely as not")Critical

A medical opinion connecting Crohn's to service-related factors including combat stress, PTSD, infectious gastroenteritis during deployment, NSAID use, or smoking history during service.

Private provider · independent opinion
02

Treatment records

0 of 3 collected
Inflammatory markers and nutritional labs (CRP, ESR, albumin, CBC)

Lab results documenting elevated C-reactive protein, ESR, anemia, hypoalbuminemia, or other markers of active disease and nutritional compromise.

VA or private records · written request
Treatment records (biologics, immunosuppressants, oral/topical agents, surgery)Critical

Records documenting your current treatment — under DC 7326 the treatment type is the primary rating driver: oral/topical agents support 10-30%, while immunosuppressants (azathioprine, methotrexate) or biologic agents (infliximab, adalimumab, ustekinumab) support 60%. Include any surgical resections.

VA or private records · written request
Anemia and nutritional documentation

Nutritional labs and CBC. Anemia is one of the "signs of toxicity" that supports the 30-100% levels under DC 7326; weight loss is supporting context for severity but is no longer a standalone rating criterion.

VA or private records · written request
03

Lay statements

0 of 2 collected
Documentation of daily diarrhea episodes, hospitalizations, and work impactCritical

Medical records or a personal log tracking how many episodes of diarrhea you have per day, any signs of toxicity (fever, rapid heart rate, anemia), hospitalizations (at least once a year supports the 100% level), and any inability to work — these, with your treatment type, set the DC 7326 rating.

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 →
04

Benefits questionnaire

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

Standardized form capturing Crohn's disease extent, stool frequency, incapacitating episodes, weight impact, and complications.

Provider-completed · VA DBQ formHow to get this →
05

Service records

0 of 1 collected
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 forC&P exam prepWhat the examiner will askBuddy statement builderGuided VA Form 21-10210

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