What happens during a C&P exam for Colostomy?

Bring all relevant medical records and a written list of symptoms. Report your worst days, not your best. The VA rates based on overall impairment.

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Colostomy

Q: What are the VA rating percentages for Colostomy?

Colostomy (DC 7329) is rated at 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 100% under 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7329 (colostomy / ileostomy; the former DC 7333 framework was redirected here per § 4.114 Note 2). Partial colectomy with reanastomosis (reconnection of the intestinal tube).

Q: What rates 10% for Colostomy under 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7329 (colostomy / ileostomy; the former DC 7333 framework was redirected here per § 4.114 Note 2)?

Under 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7329 (colostomy / ileostomy; the former DC 7333 framework was redirected here per § 4.114 Note 2) (DC 7329), a 10% rating for Colostomy requires: Partial colectomy with reanastomosis (reconnection of the intestinal tube).

Q: What rates 20% for Colostomy under 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7329 (colostomy / ileostomy; the former DC 7333 framework was redirected here per § 4.114 Note 2)?

Under 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7329 (colostomy / ileostomy; the former DC 7333 framework was redirected here per § 4.114 Note 2) (DC 7329), a 20% rating for Colostomy requires: Partial colectomy with reanastomosis with loss of ileocecal valve and recurrent episodes of diarrhea >3 times/day.

Q: What rates 40% for Colostomy under 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7329 (colostomy / ileostomy; the former DC 7333 framework was redirected here per § 4.114 Note 2)?

Under 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7329 (colostomy / ileostomy; the former DC 7333 framework was redirected here per § 4.114 Note 2) (DC 7329), a 40% rating for Colostomy requires: Partial colectomy with permanent colostomy or ileostomy without high-output syndrome.

Q: What rates 60% for Colostomy under 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7329 (colostomy / ileostomy; the former DC 7333 framework was redirected here per § 4.114 Note 2)?

Under 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7329 (colostomy / ileostomy; the former DC 7333 framework was redirected here per § 4.114 Note 2) (DC 7329), a 60% rating for Colostomy requires: Total colectomy with or without permanent colostomy or ileostomy without high-output syndrome.

Q: What rates 100% for Colostomy under 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7329 (colostomy / ileostomy; the former DC 7333 framework was redirected here per § 4.114 Note 2)?

Under 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7329 (colostomy / ileostomy; the former DC 7333 framework was redirected here per § 4.114 Note 2) (DC 7329), a 100% rating for Colostomy requires: Total colectomy with formation of ileostomy, high-output syndrome, AND more than two episodes of dehydration requiring intravenous hydration in the past 12 months.

Q: What evidence do I need for a Colostomy VA claim?

Key evidence for a Colostomy claim includes: Service treatment records; Current medical diagnosis and treatment records; Buddy/lay statements; Prescription history; Employment impact documentation. All evidence should document both the condition and its impact on daily functioning.

DC 732938 C.F.R. § 4.114

Diagnostic Code

DC 7329

38 C.F.R. § 4.114

Rating Range

10–100%

5 severity tiers

Source

Verified

38 C.F.R. § 4.114

Colostomy is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 7329 of 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7329 (colostomy / ileostomy; the former DC 7333 framework was redirected here per § 4.114 Note 2) across 5 severity tiers (10% / 20% / 40% / 60% / 100%). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303.

Educational tool only. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.

Overview

Surgically created opening connecting the colon to the abdominal wall surface for waste elimination

Rating Criteria

10%

Partial colectomy with reanastomosis (reconnection of the intestinal tube).

20%

Partial colectomy with reanastomosis with loss of ileocecal valve and recurrent episodes of diarrhea >3 times/day.

40%

Partial colectomy with permanent colostomy or ileostomy without high-output syndrome.

60%

Total colectomy with or without permanent colostomy or ileostomy without high-output syndrome.

100%

Total colectomy with formation of ileostomy, high-output syndrome, AND more than two episodes of dehydration requiring intravenous hydration in the past 12 months.

03Key Evidence

—Service treatment records

—Current medical diagnosis and treatment records

—Buddy/lay statements

—Prescription history

—Employment impact documentation

—Any relevant diagnostic testing

04C&P Exam Tips

1Bring all relevant medical records and a written list of symptoms.

2Report your worst days, not your best. The VA rates based on overall impairment.

3Document how the condition affects daily activities, work, and relationships.

4Mention all medications and their side effects.

5Bring buddy statements from people who observe your symptoms.

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Tools

Rating Calculator →Secondaries Explorer →C&P Exam Prep →PACT Act Scanner →2026 Rates →

Sources & Editorial

Rating criteria text quoted verbatim from 38 C.F.R. § 4.114 (Digestive system). Source verified 2026-05-17 by ClaimRecon Editorial Team against the Cornell Law CFR mirror; eCFR.gov is the authoritative government source.

View § 4.114 on eCFR →Cornell Law mirror →Editorial Standards →Suggest a correction →

EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026

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