Effective May 19, 2024, under the new Diagnostic Code (DC) 7327, veterans can get a Diverticulitis VA rating between 0% and 30% with a break at 20%.
Your final VA rating for Diverticulitis depends on the frequency (how often), severity (how bad), and duration (how long) of symptoms and how those symptoms negatively impact your work, life, and social functioning.
Learn more about the VA digestive system rating changes here.
Summary of Main Points
- Diverticulitis and Diverticulosis now have their own VA ratings with the recent addition of DC 7327 under CFR Title 38, Part 4, the Schedule for Rating Disabilities. The VA disability ratings for Diverticulitis and Diverticulosis are 0%, 20%, and 30%.
- If a veteran has colectomy or colostomy, they are rated under DC 7327 or DC 7329 (Intestine, large, resection of), whichever results in a higher evaluation.
- If you already have a VA disability rating for Diverticulitis, there will be no change to your current VA rating—you are “grandfathered” in under the old rating criteria.
What are Diverticulitis and Diverticulosis?
Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis are related conditions affecting the colon, particularly the large intestine.
Diverticulosis
Diverticulosis occurs when small, bulging pouches (diverticula) develop in the digestive tract.
The presence of these pouches themselves doesn’t always cause symptoms, so many people with diverticulosis are unaware they have it.
When symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Mild cramps, usually in the lower left side of the abdomen
- Bloating
- Constipation or less commonly, diarrhea
Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis happens when one or more of the diverticula in the digestive tract become inflamed or infected.
This condition is more likely to present noticeable symptoms, which can be more severe, including:
- Severe, sudden pain in the lower left side of the abdomen
- Changes in bowel habits (e.g., constipation or diarrhea)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever and chills
- Tenderness in the abdomen upon touch
- Bleeding from the rectum (less common)
Risk Factors and Considerations for Veterans
For veterans, lifestyle factors often associated with military service might influence the risk and management of these conditions, including:
- Diet: A diet low in fiber and high in red meat can increase the risk of developing diverticulosis and, consequently, diverticulitis.
- Physical stress: Heavy physical activity or strain might exacerbate symptoms or lead to complications in those with diverticulosis.
- Stress and mental health: The role of stress in the development or exacerbation of gastrointestinal issues, including diverticulitis, is a growing area of research.
VA Rating for Diverticulitis and Diverticulosis
The VA rates both Diverticulitis and Diverticulosis or under the new DC 7327 as follows:
30% VA Disability Rating for VA Rating for Diverticulitis and Diverticulosis:
Diverticular disease requiring hospitalization for abdominal distress, fever, and leukocytosis (elevated white blood cells) one or more times in the past 12 months; and with at least one of the following complications: (1) hemorrhage, (2) obstruction, (3) abscess, (4) peritonitis, or (5) perforation.
Explanation of the 30% Rating Criteria:
This rating is assigned when diverticular disease (the presence of diverticula, which can lead to diverticulosis if asymptomatic, or diverticulitis if inflamed or infected) requires hospitalization for significant symptoms like abdominal distress, fever, and leukocytosis (an increase in white blood cells, indicating infection or inflammation) at least once in the past 12 months.
Additionally, the veteran must have experienced at least one of the following complications:
- Hemorrhage: Bleeding within the digestive tract.
- Obstruction: A blockage that prevents normal flow of contents through the digestive system.
- Abscess: A pocket of pus caused by infection.
- Peritonitis: Inflammation of the peritoneum, the tissue lining the abdominal wall and covering the abdominal organs.
- Perforation: A hole or tear in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract, which can lead to peritonitis.
20% VA Disability Rating for VA Rating for Diverticulitis and Diverticulosis:
Diverticular disease requiring hospitalization for abdominal distress, fever, and leukocytosis (elevated white blood cells) one or more times in the past 12 months; and without associated (1) hemorrhage, (2) obstruction, (3) abscess, (4) peritonitis, or (5) perforation.
Explanation of the 20% Rating Criteria:
This rating is for cases where the diverticular disease has required hospitalization for the same reasons as above but without the occurrence of the specified complications (hemorrhage, obstruction, abscess, peritonitis, or perforation).
0% VA Disability Rating for VA Rating for Diverticulitis and Diverticulosis:
Asymptomatic; or a symptomatic diverticulitis or diverticulosis that is managed by diet and medication rate.
Explanation of the 0% Rating Criteria:
A 0% non-compensable rating is given when the diverticular disease is asymptomatic, meaning it does not cause any symptoms, or when symptomatic diverticulitis or diverticulosis can be effectively managed through diet and medication.
This rating acknowledges the condition’s presence but recognizes that it does not significantly impair the veteran’s health or ability to function.
Note: For colectomy or colostomy, use DC 7327 or DC 7329 (Intestine, large, resection of), whichever results in a higher evaluation.
Colectomy or Colostomy
If a veteran has undergone a colectomy (removal of part or all of the colon) or colostomy (creation of an opening from the colon to the outside of the body to collect waste), different criteria are used for disability ratings.
These are referred to as DC 7327 or DC 7329, depending on which condition leads to a higher evaluation, indicating more severe impairment or disability.
What If I Already Have VA Disability for Diverticulitis or Diverticulosis?
If you already have VA disability for Diverticulitis or Diverticulosis, there will be no change to your current VA disability rating; you are “grandfathered” in under the old rating criteria.
A reduction in your rating will only occur if there is improvement in a disability sufficient to warrant a reduction under the old criteria.
All VA claims related to these digestive systems that were submitted and in “pending” status as of May 19, 2024, will be considered under both the old and new rating criteria, and whichever criteria is more favorable to the veteran will be applied.
In summary, get your VA disability claim submitted ASAP!
Why?
Because the VA rater must consider both the old and new criteria and select the rating that’s most favorable to you.
About the Author
Brian Reese
Brian Reese is one of the top VA disability benefits experts in the world and bestselling author of You Deserve It: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Veteran Benefits You’ve Earned (Second Edition).
Brian’s frustration with the VA claim process led him to create VA Claims Insider, which provides disabled veterans with tips, strategies, and lessons learned to win their VA disability compensation claim, faster, even if they’ve already filed, been denied, gave up, or don’t know where to start.
As the founder of VA Claims Insider and CEO of Military Disability Made Easy, he has helped serve more than 10 million military members and veterans since 2013 through free online educational resources.
He is a former active duty Air Force officer with extensive experience leading hundreds of individuals and multi-functional teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour to Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from the United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO, and he holds an MBA from Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, Stillwater, OK, where he was a National Honor Scholar (Top 1% of Graduate School class).
