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Evidence checklist

Intestinal Surgery Residuals (Short Bowel Syndrome)

DC 732838 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 surgical residuals to service ("at least as likely as not")Critical

A medical opinion connecting current GI symptoms and functional limitations to the intestinal surgery performed during or connected to military service.

Private provider · independent opinion
02

Treating physician

0 of 1 collected
GI evaluation documenting current residual symptomsCritical

Current gastroenterology evaluation documenting short bowel syndrome symptoms, malabsorption, adhesion pain, altered bowel habits, incontinence, or other residuals from the intestinal surgery.

Your treating provider · written request
03

Treatment records

0 of 2 collected
Malabsorption labs and nutritional status

Lab results documenting vitamin B12 deficiency (terminal ileum resection), fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies, bile salt malabsorption, and low albumin — indicating degree of malabsorption.

VA or private records · written request
Weight and nutritional documentation

Serial weight measurements documenting weight loss or failure to maintain weight post-surgery. Significant weight loss or nutritional dependence drives higher ratings.

VA or private records · written request
04

Lay statements

0 of 2 collected
Daily diarrhea count and nutritional support documentationCritical

A daily log of diarrhea episodes plus records of the nutritional support you require. Under DC 7328 the ladder counts four or more episodes of diarrhea per day (20%), the same with undernutrition and anemia on prescribed oral supplementation and continuous medication (40%), the addition of intermittent IV nutrition (60%), and full IV nutrition (80%).

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 →
05

Benefits questionnaire

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

Standardized form capturing surgical history, residual symptoms, incapacitating episode count, weight impact, and functional limitations.

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

Service records

0 of 2 collected
Complete surgical records from intestinal surgery performed during or related to serviceCritical

Operative reports documenting the procedure performed (resection, anastomosis, bowel repair), extent of bowel removed, complications, and post-operative course.

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

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