Reference: 38 CFR 4.114, DC 7332

What is the VA rating for Rectum and Anus Sphincter Impairment?

Based on impairment of sphincter control.

Condition Overview & Clinical Scope

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VA evaluates impairment of sphincter control of the rectum and anus under Diagnostic Code 7332.

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Overview

About this condition

VA evaluates impairment of sphincter control of the rectum and anus under Diagnostic Code 7332.

Regulatory authority: 38 CFR 4.114, DC 7332

This guide provides regulatory reference criteria under 38 CFR Part 4. RatingScope does not provide medical diagnoses, infer undocumented findings, estimate an outcome, or replace medical care.

Percentage Guides

Understanding Your Percentage

Select a pathway to see what the published criteria ask about, what records may clarify it, and what should not be assumed.

100%

Highest listed pathway

Complete loss of sphincter control that does not respond to a prescribed bowel program, requiring significant daily interventions.

Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence

Official CFR language: Complete loss of sphincter control characterized by incontinence or retention that is not responsive to a physician-prescribed bowel program and requires either surgery or digital stimulation, medication (beyond laxative use), and special diet; or incontinence to solids and/or liquids two or more times per day, which requires changing a pad two or more times per day
What the published criteria say: A 100% evaluation applies when complete loss of control is unresponsive to a bowel program and requires specific interventions (surgery, digital stimulation, advanced medication, special diet) or results in incontinence requiring pad changes two or more times daily.
Medical evidence: Rectum and Anus Conditions DBQ; Medical records documenting interventions or incontinence frequency
Source context: 38 CFR 4.114; 7332; Current schedule.

60%

Next: A 100% evaluation requires loss of control to be unresponsive to a bowel program or incontinence two or more times per day.

Loss of control partially responsive to a bowel program or requiring pad use two or more times per week.

Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence

Official CFR language: Complete or partial loss of sphincter control characterized by incontinence or retention that is partially responsive to a physician-prescribed bowel program and requires either surgery or digital stimulation, medication (beyond laxative use), and special diet; or incontinence to solids and/or liquids two or more times per week, which requires wearing a pad two or more times per week
What the published criteria say: A 60% evaluation applies when loss of control is partially responsive to a bowel program and requires specific interventions, or results in incontinence requiring pad wear two or more times weekly.
Medical evidence: Rectum and Anus Conditions DBQ
Source context: 38 CFR 4.114; 7332; Current schedule.

30%

Next: A 60% evaluation requires loss of control to be only partially responsive to a bowel program or incontinence two or more times per week.

Loss of control fully responsive to a bowel program requiring multiple interventions or requiring pad use two or more times per month.

Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence

Official CFR language: Complete or partial loss of sphincter control characterized by incontinence or retention that is fully responsive to a physician-prescribed bowel program and requires digital stimulation, medication (beyond laxative use), and special diet; or incontinence to solids and/or liquids two or more times per month, which requires wearing a pad two or more times per month
What the published criteria say: A 30% evaluation applies when loss of control responds fully to a bowel program but requires digital stimulation, advanced medication, and a special diet, or requires pad wear two or more times monthly.
Medical evidence: Rectum and Anus Conditions DBQ
Source context: 38 CFR 4.114; 7332; Current schedule.

10%

Next: A 30% evaluation requires multiple simultaneous interventions or incontinence two or more times per month.

Loss of control fully responsive to a bowel program requiring medication or diet, or requiring pad use at least once every six months.

Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence

Official CFR language: Complete or partial loss of sphincter control characterized by incontinence or retention that is fully responsive to a physician-prescribed bowel program and requires medication or special diet; or incontinence to solids and/or liquids at least once every six months, which requires wearing a pad at least once every six months
What the published criteria say: A 10% evaluation applies when loss of control is fully responsive to a bowel program with only medication or special diet needed, or incontinence requires pad wear at least once every six months.
Medical evidence: Rectum and Anus Conditions DBQ
Source context: 38 CFR 4.114; 7332; Current schedule.

0%

Next: A 10% evaluation requires current active symptoms requiring intervention or pad wear.

A history of loss of sphincter control but currently without symptoms.

Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence

Official CFR language: History of loss of sphincter control, currently asymptomatic
What the published criteria say: A 0% non-compensable evaluation is assigned when there is a history of the condition but no current symptoms.
Medical evidence: Rectum and Anus Conditions DBQ; Medical records showing history without current symptoms
Source context: 38 CFR 4.114; 7332; Current schedule.

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Understand the details behind the criteria

Use these short guides to connect published terms with the records and observations that may clarify them.

Sphincter control impairment, leakage frequency, and protective pad use

Fecal incontinence evaluations depend on the degree of anal sphincter control impairment, the frequency of accidental leakage episodes, and the necessity of wearing protective absorbent pads.

The rating schedule separates mild incontinence (occasional leakage of gas or liquid stool) from moderate and severe incontinence involving frequent or constant loss of solid stool.
Evaluations consider whether the veteran requires continuous wearing of protective pads or frequent clothing changes during daily activities.
Underlying causes such as surgical sphincter trauma, spinal cord injury, or pelvic nerve damage should be clearly documented in the medical history.

Records to review: Gastroenterology or colorectal surgery clinical evaluations documenting sphincter tone and control; Anorectal manometry or endoanal ultrasound testing reports; Treatment notes and bowel diaries detailing the frequency of accidental leakage.

Evidence

Evidence that may clarify the published criteria

VA forms and DBQs (from VA.gov)

Downloadable DBQs & Supporting Claim Forms

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Secondary conditions

Conditions commonly connected to Rectum and Anus Sphincter Impairment

No commonly documented secondary connections are tracked for Rectum and Anus Sphincter Impairment yet.

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Evidence Center

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