VASRD 7333 · Digestive System
Rectum and Anus, Stricture VA Disability Rating
Narrowing of the rectal canal, often from surgery, radiation, or chronic inflammation.
VA Rating Tiers
How the VA Evaluates Rectum and Anus, Stricture
DC 7333 is measured, not described. Three of its four evaluations turn on how much the lumen is narrowed and what that narrowing does during defecation: luminal narrowing with or without straining that is managed by dietary intervention is 10 percent; reduction of the lumen by less than 50 percent with straining during defecation is 30 percent; and reduction of the lumen 50 percent or more, with pain and straining during defecation, is 60 percent. The 100 percent evaluation is an inability to open the anus together with an inability to expel solid feces. Note (1) puts two functional conditions under this same code — dyssynergic defecation (levator ani) and anismus (functional constipation) — so the code is not limited to anatomical scarring. Note (2) directs that an ostomy be evaluated as Intestine, large, resection of (DC 7329).
Approval outlook
Low–Moderate (~30%), higher with surgical notes.
Veterans service-connected
~600 veterans
Typical rating awarded
~10%
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
- •An endoscopy, imaging or examination report that quantifies the reduction of the lumen, since the tiers are set at less than 50 percent and at 50 percent or more.
- •Clinical notes recording whether defecation involves straining, pain, or an inability to expel solid feces.
- •Documentation of any dietary intervention prescribed to manage the narrowing, which the 10 percent row names.
Strategy Tips
- •Ask that the examination or endoscopy report state the degree of luminal narrowing, ideally as a percentage. Whether the reduction is less than 50 percent or 50 percent or more is the single fact separating 30 from 60 percent.
- •Have the record say whether defecation involves straining, pain, or both, since the 30 percent row names straining and the 60 percent row names pain and straining together.
- •If dietary intervention is what manages the narrowing, get that documented — it is what the 10 percent row describes.
- •If the diagnosis is dyssynergic defecation or anismus rather than an anatomical stricture, Note (1) places it under this same code.
C&P Exam Pitfalls
- •Failing to note how the condition impacts defecation specifically.
- •Not distinguishing the stricture from a condition like IBS, which is rated differently.
Common Filing Mistakes
- •No GI imaging submitted to confirm the diagnosis.
- •Relying only on self-report without objective clinical findings.
Onset Patterns
- •Rectal strictures commonly develop after anorectal surgery or radiation treatment.
Secondary Conditions
Conditions commonly linked to Rectum and Anus, Stricture. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.
Common questions about Rectum and Anus, Stricture
- Is Rectum and Anus, Stricture a VA-rated disability?
- Yes. The VA rates Rectum and Anus, Stricture under VASRD diagnostic code 7333 (Digestive System). Narrowing of the rectal canal, often from surgery, radiation, or chronic inflammation.
- What VA disability rating can I get for Rectum and Anus, Stricture?
- Possible VA ratings for Rectum and Anus, Stricture are 100%, 60%, 30%, 10%. Examples: 100%: The anus cannot open and solid stool cannot be passed at all.; 60%: Canal narrowed by half or more, with pain and straining to pass stool.; 30%: Canal narrowed by less than half, with straining to pass stool..
- What's the typical VA rating awarded for Rectum and Anus, Stricture?
- Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Rectum and Anus, Stricture at around 10%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 600 veterans are service-connected for Rectum and Anus, Stricture. Estimated approval outlook: Low–Moderate (~30%), higher with surgical notes.
- What evidence helps prove Rectum and Anus, Stricture for VA disability?
- Strong evidence for a Rectum and Anus, Stricture claim includes: An endoscopy, imaging or examination report that quantifies the reduction of the lumen, since the tiers are set at less than 50 percent and at 50 percent or more.; Clinical notes recording whether defecation involves straining, pain, or an inability to e…
- What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Rectum and Anus, Stricture?
- Common pitfalls when filing for Rectum and Anus, Stricture: No GI imaging submitted to confirm the diagnosis.; Relying only on self-report without objective clinical findings..
- What conditions are commonly secondary to Rectum and Anus, Stricture?
- Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Rectum and Anus, Stricture include: Hemorrhoids, Constipation. 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 7333)
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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