EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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Anal Fissure
✓ VERIFIED AGAINST 38 C.F.R.§ 4.114 (Digestive system) · reviewed 2026-05-17 · ClaimRecon Editorial Team
Anal Fissure is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 7335 of 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7335 across 4 severity tiers (10% / 20% / 40% / 60%). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303.
OVERVIEW
Tear or crack in the lining of the anal canal causing sharp pain during and after bowel movements
RATING CRITERIA (4 LEVELS)
10%
One fistula (or fissure) with drainage and pain, but without abscess.
20%
Two or more simultaneous fistulas (or fissures) with drainage and pain, but without abscesses.
40%
One or two simultaneous fistulas with abscess, drainage, and pain.
60%
More than two constant or near-constant fistulas with abscesses, drainage, and pain, which are refractory to medical and surgical treatment.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Service treatment records
-Current medical diagnosis and treatment records
-Buddy/lay statements
-Prescription history
-Employment impact documentation
-Any relevant diagnostic testing
C&P EXAM TIPS (5)
1.Bring all relevant medical records and a written list of symptoms.
2.Report your worst days, not your best. The VA rates based on overall impairment.
3.Document how the condition affects daily activities, work, and relationships.
4.Mention all medications and their side effects.
5.Bring buddy statements from people who observe your symptoms.
SOURCES & EDITORIAL
Rating criteria text quoted verbatim from 38 C.F.R. § 4.114 (Digestive system). Source verified 2026-05-17 by ClaimRecon Editorial Team during a regulation-text comparison against the Cornell Law CFR mirror; eCFR.gov is the authoritative government source.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026