Looking for Expert-Level VA Claim Answers?📱Call Us Now! 737-295-2226
Hemorrhoids are a common but often overlooked condition linked to years of physical strain, prolonged sitting, and demanding service environments.
When symptoms like bleeding, pain, or recurring flare-ups disrupt daily life, the VA may award a hemorrhoids VA rating.
Knowing how the VA rates hemorrhoids, what evidence carries weight, and when secondary service connection applies can directly affect your claim outcome.
This post breaks down the VA rating criteria, service connection requirements, and the quickest way to file a claim.
Summary of Key Points
- The VA rates hemorrhoids at 10% or 20%, depending on the severity and frequency of symptoms.
- Strong medical evidence, including C&P exam findings and symptom documentation, plays a critical role in the VA’s evaluation of a hemorrhoids claim.
- Hemorrhoids may qualify for secondary service connection when medical evidence shows chronic bowel symptoms caused or aggravated the condition.
Table of Contents
Can You Claim Hemorrhoids for VA Disability?
Yes. You can claim hemorrhoids for VA disability when the condition is service-connected and supported by medical evidence.
When evaluating a hemorrhoids VA disability claim, the VA considers factors such as pain, bleeding, recurrence, complications, and how symptoms limit normal activities.
The VA reviews medical findings and documented symptoms in your records, and the final rating is based on the strength of the evidence and the condition’s impact on daily functioning.
Causes of Hemorrhoids in Veterans
Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen veins and excess tissue that form around the anus or lower rectum.
They are common among veterans, especially those with long periods of active duty, due to repeated physical stress on the body.
Military service often involves prolonged sitting or standing and intense physical activity, which increases pressure in the rectal veins.
Over time, this strain can lead to hemorrhoids and frequent recurrences. There are four types (internal, external, prolapsed, and thrombosed), and service-related demands can contribute to the development or worsening of any of them.
How the VA Rates Hemorrhoids
The VA rates hemorrhoids under diagnostic code (DC) 7336, which applies to both internal and external hemorrhoids.
Compensation is based on severity, recurrence, and documented complications, not just the presence of the condition.
When assigning a rating, the VA evaluates medical evidence showing:
- Persistent or recurring bleeding
- Whether bleeding has resulted in anemia
- Prolapse of internal hemorrhoids
- Episodes of thrombosis (painful blood clots)
- How often symptoms flare and how they affect daily functioning
Hemorrhoids are rated at 10% or 20%, depending on how frequently symptoms occur and whether complications such as anemia, continuous prolapse, or thrombosis are present.
Note: Previously, hemorrhoids usually had to be severe or involve complications to qualify for VA compensation, while milder cases were often rated at 0%. The new VA rating for hemorrhoids allows some mild or moderate cases to qualify for compensation based on how symptoms affect daily life.
Hemorrhoids VA Rating Chart
| DC 7336, Hemorrhoids, external or internal | VA Rating |
| Internal or external hemorrhoids with persistent bleeding and anemia; or continuously prolapsed internal hemorrhoids with three or more episodes per year of thrombosis | 20% |
| Prolapsed internal hemorrhoids with two or less episodes per year of thrombosis; or external hemorrhoids with three or more episodes per year of thrombosis | 10% |
Proving Service Connection
To be eligible for a VA disability rating for hemorrhoids, you must prove service connection. To establish primary service connection, you need three things:
- A current diagnosis of hemorrhoids
- An in-service injury, illness, or event
- A medical nexus (link) connecting the hemorrhoids to your service
Evidence for a Hemorrhoids VA Claim
Medical evidence is vital for VA claims because it establishes service connection, explains the severity of symptoms, and may avoid denied VA decisions.
Examples of evidence include, but aren’t limited to:
- A current medical diagnosis of internal or external hemorrhoids
- Records or statements showing in-service risk factors, such as prolonged sitting or heavy lifting
- Post-service medical records documenting continued symptoms or treatment
- Evidence describing symptom frequency and severity, including pain, bleeding, or flare-ups
- C&P exam findings
- Lay statements describing symptom history and daily impact
- Nexus letter from a licensed medical professional
Learn More: The POWER of Private Medical Evidence for Disability!
C&P Exam
A compensation and pension (C&P) exam for hemorrhoids focuses on when your symptoms began and how they affect your daily life.
Be prepared to discuss your health before, during, and after military service, including when you first noticed hemorrhoid symptoms.
The examiner may ask about service-related activities that may have contributed to the condition, such as prolonged sitting, heavy lifting, or repeated straining during bowel movements.
The exam also documents current symptoms, flare-ups, and any ongoing issues, which the VA uses to determine whether the condition is service-connected and how to rate it.
Learn More: C&P Exam for Hemorrhoids
VA Disability for Hemorrhoids Secondary to IBS
Hemorrhoids can develop because of ongoing gastrointestinal issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Frequent diarrhea, constipation, and straining during IBS flare-ups can place repeated stress on the rectal area, leading to hemorrhoids over time.
If you are already service-connected for IBS, hemorrhoids may qualify as a secondary condition. Secondary conditions are rated separately and may increase your overall VA disability rating.
>> Check out our VA Disability Calculator to determine your combined VA rating.
How to File a VA Claim
The quickest way to file a VA claim is usually online; however, you can also download and complete VA Form 21-526EZ and submit it:
- By mail
- Via fax
- In person at a VA regional office
Pro Tip: Submit an intent to file as soon as you’re considering a VA claim. It secures your effective date and gives you up to one year to gather evidence while protecting potential back pay.
Conclusion
A hemorrhoids VA rating is based on severity, recurrence, and documented complications, not just the diagnosis itself. Under DC 7336, the VA assigns ratings of 10% or 20%, depending on factors like persistent bleeding, prolapse, thrombosis, anemia, and how symptoms affect daily functioning.
Strong medical evidence (including treatment records, C&P exam findings, and consistent symptom documentation) is often the deciding factor in claim outcomes. In some cases, hemorrhoids may also qualify for secondary service connection, particularly when chronic conditions like IBS cause ongoing straining or bowel issues that worsen symptoms.
Want Expert-Level Support for Your VA Disability Claim? WE GOT YOUR SIX!
- VA Claims Insider is the #1 most trusted name in VA disability claims.
- Work directly with a VA claims coach who can educate throughout the claims process.
- 25,000+ disabled veterans have served in our membership programs since 2016.
- 30% average rating increase for veterans who complete our #1-rated Elite program.
- 4.7/5.0 average rating out of 6,000+ total reviews; over 5,000 5-star reviews.
FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
What is the VA rating for hemorrhoids?
The VA rating for hemorrhoids is either 10% or 20%, depending on the severity and frequency of your symptoms.
What is the maximum VA rating for hemorrhoids?
The maximum VA rating for hemorrhoids is 20%.
What is the internal hemorrhoids VA rating?
The VA rates internal hemorrhoids under diagnostic code 7336, with potential ratings of 10% or 20%.
What is a C&P exam for hemorrhoids?
A C&P exam for hemorrhoids is a VA medical evaluation used to confirm your current diagnosis and assess severity, including bleeding, pain, thrombosis, or recurrence. The examiner’s findings are used to determine service connection and the appropriate disability rating.
Are hemorrhoids secondary to IBS?
Yes, hemorrhoids may be service-connected secondary to IBS when medical evidence shows chronic diarrhea, constipation, or straining from IBS caused or worsened the condition.
Are hemorrhoids a presumptive disability?
No, hemorrhoids aren’t a VA presumptive condition. You must prove direct service connection or secondary service connection with supporting medical evidence.
Content Reviewed By
Quality Assurance Team
The Quality Assurance (QA) team at VA Claims Insider has extensive experience researching, fact-checking, and ensuring accuracy in all produced content. The QA team consists of individuals with specialized knowledge in the VA disability claims adjudication processes, laws and regulations, and they understand the needs of our target audience. Any changes or suggestions the QA team makes are thoroughly reviewed and incorporated into the content by our writers and creators.
About the Author
Kelly Olone
Kelly Olone is a military spouse who earned her degree in Psychology from Florida International University. After working in the non-profit sector for several years, she turned to her passion for writing. She aims to contribute to a better understanding of the valuable benefits that veterans deserve. As a mom, Kelly navigates the delicate balance between deadlines and bedtime stories with finesse.
