EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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Diverticulitis VA Disability Rating
DC 7327 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.114 | M21-1, Part IV.ii.9
OVERVIEW
Diverticulitis and diverticulosis are rated under DC 7327 at 38 C.F.R. 4.114. Rating is based on frequency of hospitalizations, severity of episodes, and associated complications including hemorrhage, obstruction, abscess, peritonitis, or perforation. Veterans develop diverticular disease secondary to NSAID use for service-connected pain conditions, bowel changes from combat stress, or dietary limitations during extended deployments.
RATING CRITERIA (3 LEVELS)
30% -- Hospitalization with complications (hemorrhage, abscess, obstruction, perforation)
Diverticular disease requiring hospitalization for abdominal distress, fever, and leukocytosis one or more times in the past 12 months; AND at least one of: (1) hemorrhage, (2) obstruction, (3) abscess, (4) peritonitis, or (5) perforation.
20% -- Hospitalization without major complications
Diverticular disease requiring hospitalization for abdominal distress, fever, and leukocytosis one or more times in the past 12 months; WITHOUT associated hemorrhage, obstruction, abscess, peritonitis, or perforation.
0% -- Asymptomatic or diet/medication managed
Asymptomatic diverticulosis; OR symptomatic diverticulitis managed by diet and medication without hospitalization. Establish service connection to protect effective date.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-CT scan or colonoscopy showing diverticulosis/diverticulitis
-Hospitalization records for acute diverticulitis episodes
-Surgical records if resection was performed
-Documentation of antibiotic treatments with dates and duration
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (2 MAPPED)
DC 7332/7335
Complicated diverticulitis can cause abscesses and fistulas.
DC 9434/9413
Chronic GI distress and dietary restrictions impact mental health.
C&P EXAM TIPS (3)
1.Document every flare-up: date, treatment, antibiotics required, hospitalization, missed work.
2.If you had bowel resection surgery, the residuals may qualify for a higher rating.
3.Link to military diet -- MREs and field rations are low in fiber, a known risk factor.
RELEVANT CASE LAW
38 C.F.R. 4.114, DC 7327 Note
For colectomy or colostomy resulting from diverticulitis, use DC 7327 or DC 7329 (Intestine, large, resection of) -- whichever results in the higher rating.
DOLLAR IMPACT
Diverticulitis at 30% pays $552.47/mo. Post-surgical complications can rate higher.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026