Gastrointestinal Fistula (GIF)
Gastrointestinal Fistula (GIF) is a VA-ratable condition under diagnostic code 7330 in the Digestive System category. Maximum rating: 100%.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | Requiring total parenteral nutrition (TPN); *or* enteral nutritional support along with *at least* 1 of the following: (1) daily discharge equivalent to 4 or more ostomy bags (sized 130 cc), (2) requiring 10 or more pad changes per day, *or* (3) both a Body Mass Index (BMI) *less than* 16 and persistent drainage (any amount) for *more than* 1 month during the past 12 months. |
| 60% | Requiring enteral nutritional support along with *at least* 1 of the following: (1) daily discharge equivalent to 3 or less ostomy bags (sized 130 cc), (2) requiring fewer than 10 pad changes a day, *or* (3) a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 16 to 18 inclusive and persistent drainage (any amount) for *more than* 2 months in the past 12 months. |
| 30% | Occastional fecal discharge with persistent drainage for *more than* 3 months in the past 12 months. |
Filing Tips
Pro Tip: The VA won't connect the dots for you. That's your job. Build the paper trail before you file.
Gather medical evidence showing a current diagnosis of this condition.
Document in-service events, injuries, or exposures that caused or aggravated this condition.
Consider a nexus letter from a medical professional linking your condition to service.
Review the rating criteria for DC 7330 to understand what symptoms warrant higher ratings.