Rectum and anus, impairment of sphincter control DC 7332
VA rates it under diagnostic code 7332 in 38 CFR 4.114. Body system: Digestive.
Also searched as: fecal incontinence, bowel incontinence.
How VA rates it
The schedule allows 5 rating levels for this code: 0%, 10%, 30%, 60%, and 100%. VA picks the level whose criteria best match your symptoms and records.
Source: 38 CFR 4.114 on eCFR. Read the full criteria there before you file.
Rating levels and criteria
| Rating | What the schedule says |
|---|---|
| 100% | 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 |
| 60% | 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 |
| 30% | 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 |
| 10% | 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 |
| 0% | History of loss of sphincter control, currently asymptomatic |
Criteria text from 38 CFR 4.114, eCFR as of November 10, 2026. The eCFR is the official source if anything here differs.
Notes in the schedule (1)
Note: Complete or partial loss of sphincter control refers to the inability to retain or expel stool at an appropriate time and place.
Commonly claimed as secondary to
If one of these is already service connected, you may be able to claim this condition as secondary to it.
Intervertebral disc syndrome DC 5243 Established link Rated separately
Loss of bowel control caused by nerve damage from your spine condition is rated separately.
What to gather: Tell the spine examiner about any bowel leakage, and get it documented in your medical records.
Sources: 38 CFR 4.71a, spine formula Note (1): rate nerve, bowel and bladder problems separately; 38 CFR 4.114
Lower back (lumbosacral strain / DDD) DC 5237, 5242 Established link Rated separately
Loss of bowel control caused by nerve damage from your low back condition is rated separately.
What to gather: Tell the spine examiner about any bowel leakage, and get it documented in your medical records.
Sources: 38 CFR 4.71a, spine formula Note (1): rate nerve, bowel and bladder problems separately; 38 CFR 4.114
Spinal stenosis DC 5238 Established link Rated separately
Loss of bowel control caused by nerve damage from your spine condition is rated separately.
What to gather: Tell the spine examiner about any bowel leakage, and get it documented in your medical records.
Sources: 38 CFR 4.71a, spine formula Note (1): rate nerve, bowel and bladder problems separately; 38 CFR 4.114
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Rating schedule data as of November 10, 2026. Secondary and presumptive links checked November 13, 2026.
Not affiliated with the VA. VA decides ratings. Free help from an accredited VSO is available at no cost.