EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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Colostomy
✓ VERIFIED AGAINST 38 C.F.R.§ 4.114 (Digestive system) · reviewed 2026-05-17 · ClaimRecon Editorial Team
Colostomy is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 7329 of 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7329 (colostomy / ileostomy; the former DC 7333 framework was redirected here per § 4.114 Note 2) across 5 severity tiers (10% / 20% / 40% / 60% / 100%). 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
Surgically created opening connecting the colon to the abdominal wall surface for waste elimination
RATING CRITERIA (5 LEVELS)
10%
Partial colectomy with reanastomosis (reconnection of the intestinal tube).
20%
Partial colectomy with reanastomosis with loss of ileocecal valve and recurrent episodes of diarrhea >3 times/day.
40%
Partial colectomy with permanent colostomy or ileostomy without high-output syndrome.
60%
Total colectomy with or without permanent colostomy or ileostomy without high-output syndrome.
100%
Total colectomy with formation of ileostomy, high-output syndrome, AND more than two episodes of dehydration requiring intravenous hydration in the past 12 months.
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