Secondary Condition Claim · VASRD 7332
Rectum and Anus, Impairment of Sphincter Control Secondary to Rectum and Anus, Fistula-in-Ano
A condition caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability can be granted its own service connection as a secondary condition under 38 CFR § 3.310. Here's how that works for Rectum and Anus, Impairment of Sphincter Control when it develops after Rectum and Anus, Fistula-in-Ano.
Why Rectum and Anus, Impairment of Sphincter Control Is Linked to Rectum and Anus, Fistula-in-Ano
Muscle damage from repeated infections
Primary condition · VASRD 7335
Rectum and Anus, Fistula-in-Ano
An abnormal tunnel between the rectum and skin near the anus, often from infection or abscess.
Secondary condition · VASRD 7332
Rectum and Anus, Impairment of Sphincter Control
Loss of control over bowel movements, possibly causing leakage or incontinence.
Rectum and Anus, Impairment of Sphincter Control VA Rating Tiers
The VA rates Rectum and Anus, Impairment of Sphincter Control the same way whether it's claimed directly or as secondary to Rectum and Anus, Fistula-in-Ano — severity of Rectum and Anus, Impairment of Sphincter Control itself determines the percentage.
| 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. |
Example combined rating
40% Rectum and Anus, Fistula-in-Ano + 30% Rectum and Anus, Impairment of Sphincter Control = 58%
The VA combines ratings with Table I of 38 CFR 4.25, not simple addition — 40% and 30% combine to 58%, not 70%. These figures are illustrative; your actual rating for each condition depends on your own evaluation.
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Evidence for a Rectum and Anus, Impairment of Sphincter Control Secondary Claim
- •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.
Common questions about Rectum and Anus, Impairment of Sphincter Control secondary to Rectum and Anus, Fistula-in-Ano
- Can Rectum and Anus, Impairment of Sphincter Control be service-connected as secondary to Rectum and Anus, Fistula-in-Ano?
- Yes. Under 38 CFR § 3.310, a condition that is caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability can be granted secondary service connection. Muscle damage from repeated infections You'll need a current Rectum and Anus, Impairment of Sphincter Control diagnosis and a medical nexus opinion linking it to y…
- What VA rating can I get for Rectum and Anus, Impairment of Sphincter Control as a secondary condition?
- Rectum and Anus, Impairment of Sphincter Control is rated under VASRD diagnostic code 7332 using the same criteria whether it's a direct or secondary claim: possible ratings are 100%, 60%, 30%, 10%, 0%. The rating depends on the severity of Rectum and Anus, Impairment of Sphincter Control itself, not on the severity o…
- How does a secondary Rectum and Anus, Impairment of Sphincter Control claim affect my combined VA rating?
- The VA doesn't add ratings together. Using the official combined-ratings formula (38 CFR 4.25): a 40% rating for Rectum and Anus, Fistula-in-Ano combined with a 30% rating for Rectum and Anus, Impairment of Sphincter Control (example figures) produces a combined rating of 58%, not 70%. Approving Rectum and Anus, Impai…
- What evidence do I need to service-connect Rectum and Anus, Impairment of Sphincter Control as secondary to Rectum and Anus, Fistula-in-Ano?
- Strong evidence for the underlying Rectum and Anus, Impairment of Sphincter Control diagnosis 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 patte…
Primary condition
Full Rectum and Anus, Fistula-in-Ano guide
Secondary condition
Full Rectum and Anus, Impairment of Sphincter Control guide
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