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Evidence checklist

Diverticulitis

DC 732738 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
CT abdomen/pelvis confirming diverticulitis episodesCritical

CT scan with contrast documenting pericolic inflammation, diverticula with wall thickening, pericolic fat stranding, or abscess formation during acute diverticulitis attacks.

Private provider · independent opinion
Colonoscopy confirming diverticulosis and ruling out malignancyCritical

Colonoscopy report performed after resolution of acute episode, documenting diverticulosis extent, luminal complications, and absence of colorectal cancer.

Private provider · independent opinion
Nexus opinion linking diverticulitis to service ("at least as likely as not")Critical

A medical opinion connecting diverticulitis to service-related dietary factors (low-fiber MRE diet), chronic constipation, or in-service abdominal trauma predisposing to diverticular development.

Private provider · independent opinion
02

Treatment records

0 of 2 collected
Hospitalization records for acute diverticulitis episodes

Inpatient records for acute diverticulitis admissions including CT findings, antibiotic treatment, IV nutrition, and any abscess drainage procedures.

VA or private records · written request
Surgical records for colon resection or ostomy (if applicable)

Operative reports for sigmoid colectomy, Hartmann's procedure, or colostomy formation for complicated diverticulitis — these may support additional ratings.

VA or private records · written request
03

Lay statements

0 of 3 collected
Hospital admission records for each diverticulitis attackCritical

Admission records for every episode in the past 12 months showing abdominal distress, fever and leukocytosis, plus imaging or operative findings showing whether the episode involved hemorrhage, obstruction, abscess, peritonitis, or perforation. Under DC 7327 hospitalization is what makes the rating compensable (20%), and a listed complication is what raises it to 30%.

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 →
04

Benefits questionnaire

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

Standardized form capturing diverticulitis episode frequency, imaging findings, surgical history, and functional impact.

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

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.