VASRD 7335 · Digestive System
Rectum and Anus, Fistula-in-Ano VA Disability Rating
An abnormal tunnel between the rectum and skin near the anus, often from infection or abscess.
VA Rating Tiers
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 60% | More than two near-constant fistulas with abscesses that treatment cannot fix. |
| 40% | One or two fistulas at the same time, with an abscess, drainage, and pain. |
| 20% | Two or more fistulas at once with drainage and pain, but no abscess. |
| 10% | A single fistula with drainage and pain, but no abscess. |
How the VA Evaluates Rectum and Anus, Fistula-in-Ano
DC 7335 counts fistulas and looks for abscess. Its four evaluations are: one fistula with drainage and pain, but without abscess, at 10 percent; two or more simultaneous fistulas with drainage and pain, but without abscesses, at 20 percent; one or two simultaneous fistulas with abscess, drainage, and pain at 40 percent; and more than two constant or near-constant fistulas with abscesses, drainage, and pain, which are refractory to medical and surgical treatment, at 60 percent. Note the order: abscess outweighs number, so one or two fistulas with abscess (40 percent) rates above two or more without abscess (20 percent). Drainage and pain are named in every compensable row. The code's title covers anorectal fistula and anorectal abscess.
Approval outlook
Moderate (~45%) with surgical or imaging confirmation.
Veterans service-connected
~900 veterans
Vetrify editorial estimates informed by VA published claims data (VBA Annual Benefits Report) and the VA rating schedule — not official VA statistics.
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Best Evidence to Gather
- •A colonoscopy or pelvic MRI confirming the fistula.
- •Surgical notes or treatment records from any abscess or fistula procedure.
Strategy Tips
- •Have the record state how many fistulas are present at the same time, and whether an abscess accompanies them. Those two facts are what the rows are built on.
- •Make sure drainage and pain are both documented, since every compensable row of this code names both.
- •If medical and surgical treatment have been tried and the fistulas persist, keep the operative and follow-up notes together — refractory to medical and surgical treatment is an element of the 60 percent evaluation.
C&P Exam Pitfalls
- •An examination performed while the fistula is quiet, so that neither drainage nor pain is recorded, when every compensable row names both.
- •A report that says "fistula-in-ano" without stating how many simultaneous fistulas are present or whether an abscess is present with them.
Common Filing Mistakes
- •Building the claim on recurrence over time. The current criteria count simultaneous fistulas and look for abscess, drainage and pain — recurrence is not a rating element in this code.
- •Leaving out the record of failed medical and surgical treatment, which the 60 percent evaluation requires alongside more than two constant or near-constant fistulas.
Onset Patterns
- •A fistula-in-ano usually follows a perianal abscess or can be associated with an underlying condition like Crohn's disease.
Secondary Conditions
Conditions commonly linked to Rectum and Anus, Fistula-in-Ano. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.
Common questions about Rectum and Anus, Fistula-in-Ano
- Is Rectum and Anus, Fistula-in-Ano a VA-rated disability?
- Yes. The VA rates Rectum and Anus, Fistula-in-Ano under VASRD diagnostic code 7335 (Digestive System). An abnormal tunnel between the rectum and skin near the anus, often from infection or abscess.
- What VA disability rating can I get for Rectum and Anus, Fistula-in-Ano?
- Possible VA ratings for Rectum and Anus, Fistula-in-Ano are 60%, 40%, 20%, 10%. Examples: 60%: More than two near-constant fistulas with abscesses that treatment cannot fix.; 40%: One or two fistulas at the same time, with an abscess, drainage, and pain.; 20%: Two or more fistulas at once with drainage and pain, but n…
- What evidence helps prove Rectum and Anus, Fistula-in-Ano for VA disability?
- Strong evidence for a Rectum and Anus, Fistula-in-Ano claim includes: A colonoscopy or pelvic MRI confirming the fistula.; Surgical notes or treatment records from any abscess or fistula procedure..
- What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Rectum and Anus, Fistula-in-Ano?
- Common pitfalls when filing for Rectum and Anus, Fistula-in-Ano: Building the claim on recurrence over time. The current criteria count simultaneous fistulas and look for abscess, drainage and pain — recurrence is not a rating element in this code.; Leaving out the record of failed medical and surgical treatment, whic…
- What conditions are commonly secondary to Rectum and Anus, Fistula-in-Ano?
- Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Rectum and Anus, Fistula-in-Ano include: Incontinence, Skin Irritation. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.
Official sources
- 38 CFR § 4.114 — Schedule of ratings — digestive system (Diagnostic Code 7335)
Rating criteria on this page are an educational summary of the cited regulation — the eCFR text is authoritative. See how Vetrify derives its numbers.
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