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Evidence checklist

Ulcerative Colitis

DC 732338 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 documenting extent of mucosal inflammationCritical

Colonoscopy report documenting continuous mucosal inflammation starting from the rectum, with the extent classified (proctitis, left-sided, or pancolitis) and severity scored.

Private provider · independent opinion
Biopsy confirming chronic active colitis and crypt architectural distortionCritical

Pathology report from colonoscopic biopsies showing crypt distortion, crypt abscesses, and chronic active inflammation consistent with ulcerative colitis.

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

A medical opinion connecting UC to service-related stress, infectious triggers, NSAID use, or other service-related factors.

Private provider · independent opinion
02

Treatment records

0 of 3 collected
Labs showing disease activity (CRP, CBC, albumin, fecal calprotectin)

Serial lab results documenting anemia, low albumin, elevated inflammatory markers, or elevated fecal calprotectin indicating active colitis.

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

Records documenting your current treatment — under DC 7326 the treatment type is the primary rating driver: oral/topical agents (mesalamine) support 10-30%, while immunosuppressants (azathioprine, 6-MP) or biologic agents (infliximab, vedolizumab) support 60%. Include any surgical colectomy.

VA or private records · written request
Dysplasia/colorectal cancer surveillance records

Surveillance colonoscopy records and pathology reports — long-standing UC carries elevated colorectal cancer risk, and surveillance compliance documents ongoing disease severity.

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 (and bloody stools) 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 UC extent, stool frequency, bloody stools, incapacitating episodes, weight changes, 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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