EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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Hemorrhoids VA Disability Rating
DC 7336 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.114 | M21-1, Part IV.ii.9
OVERVIEW
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectal/anal area, common in veterans due to prolonged sitting (vehicle operators, desk work), heavy lifting, field conditions with limited hygiene, and dietary issues during deployment. Rated under DC 7336 based on severity, frequency of bleeding, and whether they are reducible. Maximum schedular rating is 20%.
RATING CRITERIA (2 LEVELS)
20% — Persistent bleeding with anemia; or continuously prolapsed with 3+ thromboses/year
Internal or external hemorrhoids with persistent bleeding and anemia; OR continuously prolapsed internal hemorrhoids with three or more episodes per year of thrombosis. Rate under DC 7336.
10% — Prolapsed with 2 or fewer thromboses/year; or external with 3+ thromboses/year
Prolapsed internal hemorrhoids with two or fewer episodes per year of thrombosis; OR external hemorrhoids with three or more episodes per year of thrombosis.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Colonoscopy or proctoscopy documenting hemorrhoid severity and classification
-Lab work showing anemia (low hemoglobin/hematocrit) from chronic blood loss
-Service treatment records showing initial complaints, especially during deployments
-Treatment records showing hemorrhoid banding, cauterization, or surgical intervention
-Documentation of recurrence frequency and impact on daily activities
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (2 MAPPED)
DC 7700
Chronic hemorrhoidal bleeding causes iron deficiency anemia. Separately ratable.
DC 9434/9413
Chronic pain and embarrassment from the condition impacts mental health.
C&P EXAM TIPS (4)
1.If you have recurrent bleeding, get a CBC blood test showing low iron/hemoglobin. Anemia is what pushes the rating to 20%.
2.Document every episode of bleeding, prolapse, and treatment. Frequency matters for the rating.
3.If you had hemorrhoid surgery, the surgical scars may be separately ratable.
4.Be direct with the examiner about symptoms. This is a medical exam, and the examiner has seen everything.
RELEVANT CASE LAW
38 C.F.R. § 4.114, DC 7336 (Hemorrhoids, external or internal)
Rating distinguishes by thrombosis frequency and presence of anemia from persistent bleeding. Maximum rating is 20% — no higher evaluation exists under DC 7336. Separately rate associated anemia (DC 7700) if caused by hemorrhoidal bleeding.
DOLLAR IMPACT
Hemorrhoids at 20% pay $345.78/mo. Often claimed alongside IBS and GERD for a digestive system combined rating. The real value is establishing service connection for the secondary conditions.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026