Reference: 38 CFR 4.114, DC 7332

What is the VA rating for Rectum and Anus Sphincter Impairment?

Based on impairment of sphincter control.

Condition Overview & Clinical Scope

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VA evaluates impairment of sphincter control of the rectum and anus under Diagnostic Code 7332.

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Overview

About this condition

VA evaluates impairment of sphincter control of the rectum and anus under Diagnostic Code 7332.

Regulatory authority: 38 CFR 4.114, DC 7332

This guide provides regulatory reference criteria under 38 CFR Part 4. RatingScope does not provide medical diagnoses, infer undocumented findings, estimate an outcome, or replace medical care.

Percentage Guides

Understanding Your Percentage

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100%

Highest listed pathway

Complete loss of sphincter control that does not respond to a prescribed bowel program, requiring significant daily interventions.

Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence

Official CFR language: 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 two or more times per day, which requires changing a pad two or more times per day
Qualification explanation: A 100% evaluation applies when complete loss of control is unresponsive to a bowel program and requires specific interventions (surgery, digital stimulation, advanced medication, special diet) or results in incontinence requiring pad changes two or more times daily.
Medical evidence: Rectum and Anus Conditions DBQ; Medical records documenting interventions or incontinence frequency
Source context: 38 CFR 4.114; 7332; Current schedule.

60%

Next: A 100% evaluation requires loss of control to be unresponsive to a bowel program or incontinence two or more times per day.

Loss of control partially responsive to a bowel program or requiring pad use two or more times per week.

Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence

Official CFR language: Complete or partial loss of sphincter control 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 two or more times per week, which requires wearing a pad two or more times per week
Qualification explanation: A 60% evaluation applies when loss of control is partially responsive to a bowel program and requires specific interventions, or results in incontinence requiring pad wear two or more times weekly.
Medical evidence: Rectum and Anus Conditions DBQ
Source context: 38 CFR 4.114; 7332; Current schedule.

30%

Next: A 60% evaluation requires loss of control to be only partially responsive to a bowel program or incontinence two or more times per week.

Loss of control fully responsive to a bowel program requiring multiple interventions or requiring pad use two or more times per month.

Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence

Official CFR language: Complete or partial loss of sphincter control 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 two or more times per month, which requires wearing a pad two or more times per month
Qualification explanation: A 30% evaluation applies when loss of control responds fully to a bowel program but requires digital stimulation, advanced medication, and a special diet, or requires pad wear two or more times monthly.
Medical evidence: Rectum and Anus Conditions DBQ
Source context: 38 CFR 4.114; 7332; Current schedule.

10%

Next: A 30% evaluation requires multiple simultaneous interventions or incontinence two or more times per month.

Loss of control fully responsive to a bowel program requiring medication or diet, or requiring pad use at least once every six months.

Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence

Official CFR language: Complete or partial loss of sphincter control 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 six months, which requires wearing a pad at least once every six months
Qualification explanation: A 10% evaluation applies when loss of control is fully responsive to a bowel program with only medication or special diet needed, or incontinence requires pad wear at least once every six months.
Medical evidence: Rectum and Anus Conditions DBQ
Source context: 38 CFR 4.114; 7332; Current schedule.

0%

Next: A 10% evaluation requires current active symptoms requiring intervention or pad wear.

A history of loss of sphincter control but currently without symptoms.

Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence

Official CFR language: History of loss of sphincter control, currently asymptomatic
Qualification explanation: A 0% non-compensable evaluation is assigned when there is a history of the condition but no current symptoms.
Medical evidence: Rectum and Anus Conditions DBQ; Medical records showing history without current symptoms
Source context: 38 CFR 4.114; 7332; Current schedule.

Evidence

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Official VA Forms & DBQs

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Secondary conditions

Conditions commonly connected to Rectum and Anus Sphincter Impairment

No commonly documented secondary connections are tracked for Rectum and Anus Sphincter Impairment yet.

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