Rectum and anus, impairment of sphincter control
Rectum and anus, impairment of sphincter control is a VA-ratable condition under diagnostic code 7332 in the Digestive System category. Maximum rating: 100%.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | **COMPLETE** loss of sphincter control characterized by incontinence *or* retention that is **NOT** responsive to a physician-prescribed bowel program **AND** requires either surgery *or* digital stimulation, medication (beyond laxative use), **AND** special diet; *or* incontinence to solids *and/or* liquids *2 or more* times per day, which requires changing a pad *2 or more* times per day. |
| 60% | Characterized by incontinence *or* retention that is *partially* responsive to a physician-prescribed bowel program **AND** requires either surgery *or* digital stimulation, medication (beyond laxative use), **AND** special diet; *or* incontinence to solids *and/or* liquids *2 or more* times per week, which requires wearing a pad *2 or more* times per week. |
| 30% | Characterized by incontinence or retention that is **FULLY** responsive to a physician-prescribed bowel program **AND** requires digital stimulation, medication (beyond laxative use), **AND** special diet; *or* incontinence to solids *and/or* liquids *2 or more* times per month, which requires wearing a pad *2 or more* times per month. |
| 10% | Characterized by incontinence *or* retention that is **FULLY** responsive to a physician-prescribed bowel program **AND** requires medication or special diet; *or* incontinence to solids *and/or* liquids *at least once every 6 months, which requires wearing a pad at least once every 6* months. |
| 0% | No current symptoms. |
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 7332 to understand what symptoms warrant higher ratings.