VA Disability Rating for Diverticulitis (DC 7327)
Diagnostic Code 7327 · 38 CFR §4.114
What Is It?
Diverticulitis occurs when small pouches (diverticula) that form in the walls of the colon become inflamed or infected. This causes abdominal pain (usually on the lower left side), fever, nausea, and changes in bowel habits. Veterans may develop diverticular disease due to dietary changes during service, prolonged stress affecting gut function, or as a progression of conditions that began during active duty. Severe or recurring episodes can lead to complications like abscesses, perforation, or the need for bowel surgery.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 30% | Frequent flare-ups requiring antibiotic treatment multiple times per year, significant dietary restrictions, episodes severe enough to cause missed work or hospitalization, and persistent bowel changes between flare-ups. |
| 10% | Occasional flare-ups that respond to treatment, mild dietary modifications, and manageable symptoms between episodes. |
Evidence Needed
- CT scan results showing diverticula and any evidence of inflammation or complications
- Colonoscopy findings documenting diverticular disease
- Treatment records for each flare-up including antibiotic prescriptions
- Emergency room or hospitalization records for severe episodes
- Documentation of dietary restrictions and how they impact daily life
- Records of any surgical procedures for complicated diverticulitis
C&P Exam Tips
- Keep a log of every flare-up with dates, duration, and what treatment was needed
- Describe the pain, its location, severity, and how long each episode lasts
- Report any hospitalizations, IV antibiotic courses, or surgical consultations
- Explain the dietary changes you have made and what foods you must avoid
- Describe bowel habit changes between flare-ups — constipation, diarrhea, urgency
- Mention if you have missed work or been unable to perform activities during episodes
How to File
File under DC 7327 for diverticulitis. Include imaging showing the condition and records from each flare-up. If you can trace the onset to your time in service through medical records or lifestyle factors, include a nexus letter explaining the connection.
Common Mistakes
Not documenting every flare-up Confusing diverticulosis with diverticulitis Not getting a colonoscopy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between diverticulosis and diverticulitis?
Diverticulosis means you have the pouches in your colon wall, which is extremely common and often causes no symptoms. Diverticulitis is when those pouches become inflamed or infected, causing pain and illness. The VA rates diverticulitis based on the frequency and severity of the active inflammation episodes.
Can diet changes in the military cause diverticulitis?
While the exact causes are complex, low-fiber diets, stress, and changes in eating patterns — all common during military service — are recognized risk factors for developing diverticular disease. If you can show that your symptoms began or worsened during service, this supports a service connection.