VASRD 7332 · Digestive System
Rectum and Anus, Impairment of Sphincter Control VA Disability Rating
Loss of control over bowel movements, possibly causing leakage or incontinence.
VA Rating Tiers
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | No sphincter control; daily accidents, or a bowel program that does not work. |
| 60% | Weekly accidents needing a pad, or a bowel program that only partly works. |
| 30% | Monthly accidents needing a pad; bowel program works with medication and diet. |
| 10% | Accidents about twice a year needing a pad; controlled with medication or diet. |
| 0% | A documented history of sphincter-control loss with no current symptoms. |
How the VA Evaluates Rectum and Anus, Impairment of Sphincter Control
The Note to DC 7332 defines what is being rated: complete or partial loss of sphincter control "refers to the inability to retain or expel stool at an appropriate time and place" — so retention counts here, not only leakage. Each of the four compensable evaluations can be met by either of two routes. The first turns on a physician-prescribed bowel program: complete or partial loss of sphincter control with incontinence or retention that is fully responsive to that program and requires medication or special diet is 10 percent; fully responsive but requiring digital stimulation, medication beyond laxative use, and special diet is 30 percent; only partially responsive and requiring either surgery or digital stimulation, medication beyond laxative use, and special diet is 60 percent; and complete loss of sphincter control, not responsive to the program at all, with that same treatment requirement, is 100 percent. The second route counts incontinence to solids and/or liquids and the pad use it forces: at least once every six months, requiring a pad at least once every six months, is 10 percent; two or more times per month is 30 percent; two or more times per week is 60 percent; and two or more times per day, requiring a pad changed two or more times per day, is 100 percent. A history of loss of sphincter control that is currently asymptomatic is 0 percent.
Approval outlook
Moderate – higher if pads or severe symptoms are documented.
Veterans service-connected
~32,000 veterans
Typical rating awarded
~30%
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
- •GI specialist notes documenting the bowel dysfunction and its severity.
- •Evidence of pad or medical brief use for managing leakage.
- •Documented incidents in your medical records over time, showing a consistent pattern rather than an isolated event.
Strategy Tips
- •Describe the frequency of accidents in clear, specific detail rather than general terms, since the rating tiers are built around exactly how often and how severe the episodes are.
- •Submit pad or protective garment purchase records if available, since ongoing use of these products is concrete evidence of the functional impact.
- •Consider including a statement from a spouse or close family member describing the observed impact, since third-party observation can help substantiate a condition that's easy to underreport.
C&P Exam Pitfalls
- •Symptoms that go undocumented because they weren't raised during routine visits, which leaves no supporting record for the claim.
- •Not having any third-party observation or supporting statement, especially for a condition that can be difficult to fully capture during a single clinical exam.
Common Filing Mistakes
- •Not mentioning daily pad use if applicable, since this detail is direct evidence of ongoing functional impact.
- •Minimizing the severity of symptoms out of embarrassment, which can result in a rating well below what the actual impact would support.
Onset Patterns
- •This condition can result from nerve damage, spinal cord issues, or complications following pelvic or rectal surgery, any of which can affect the nerves and muscles controlling the sphincter.
Secondary Conditions
Conditions commonly linked to Rectum and Anus, Impairment of Sphincter Control. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.
Common questions about Rectum and Anus, Impairment of Sphincter Control
- Is Rectum and Anus, Impairment of Sphincter Control a VA-rated disability?
- Yes. The VA rates Rectum and Anus, Impairment of Sphincter Control under VASRD diagnostic code 7332 (Digestive System). Loss of control over bowel movements, possibly causing leakage or incontinence.
- What VA disability rating can I get for Rectum and Anus, Impairment of Sphincter Control?
- Possible VA ratings for Rectum and Anus, Impairment of Sphincter Control are 100%, 60%, 30%, 10%, 0%. Examples: 100%: No sphincter control; daily accidents, or a bowel program that does not work.; 60%: Weekly accidents needing a pad, or a bowel program that only partly works.; 30%: Monthly accidents needing a pad; bow…
- What's the typical VA rating awarded for Rectum and Anus, Impairment of Sphincter Control?
- Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Rectum and Anus, Impairment of Sphincter Control at around 30%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 32,000 veterans are service-connected for Rectum and Anus, Impairment of Sphincter Control. Estimated approval outlook: Moderate – higher if pad…
- What evidence helps prove Rectum and Anus, Impairment of Sphincter Control for VA disability?
- Strong evidence for a Rectum and Anus, Impairment of Sphincter Control claim includes: GI specialist notes documenting the bowel dysfunction and its severity.; Evidence of pad or medical brief use for managing leakage.; Documented incidents in your medical records over time, showing a consistent pattern rather than an…
- What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Rectum and Anus, Impairment of Sphincter Control?
- Common pitfalls when filing for Rectum and Anus, Impairment of Sphincter Control: Not mentioning daily pad use if applicable, since this detail is direct evidence of ongoing functional impact.; Minimizing the severity of symptoms out of embarrassment, which can result in a rating well below what the actual impact woul…
- What conditions are commonly secondary to Rectum and Anus, Impairment of Sphincter Control?
- Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Rectum and Anus, Impairment of Sphincter Control include: Skin Irritation, Anxiety. 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 7332)
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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