Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is inflammation or infection of small pouches (diverticula) in the colon wall, causing attacks of abdominal pain, fever, and elevated white counts. Since May 2024, DC 7327 has its own criteria rated 0, 20, or 30 percent based on hospitalizations and complications.
How the VA rates it
The May 19, 2024 revision gave DC 7327 (diverticulitis and diverticulosis) standalone criteria; previously it was rated by analogy to irritable colon syndrome, peritoneal adhesions, or ulcerative colitis. Ratings now turn on whether the disease required hospitalization in the past 12 months and whether complications (hemorrhage, obstruction, abscess, peritonitis, or perforation) occurred. Disease managed with diet and medication alone is noncompensable. If colectomy or colostomy is required, VA rates under DC 7327 or DC 7329 (large intestine resection), whichever is higher.
Rating criteria by percentage
Rated up to 30%Diverticular disease requiring hospitalization one or more times in the past 12 months for abdominal distress, fever, and elevated white blood cell count, with at least one complication: hemorrhage, obstruction, abscess, peritonitis, or perforation.
Diverticular disease requiring hospitalization one or more times in the past 12 months for abdominal distress, fever, and elevated white blood cell count, without those complications.
Asymptomatic; or symptomatic diverticulitis or diverticulosis managed by diet and medication.
Secondary condition strategy
Commonly claimed secondary to this
Conditions veterans often develop from this one — each can be its own rating under 38 CFR 3.310.
- Peritoneal adhesions — Perforation, abscess, or repeated surgery for diverticulitis can lead to peritoneal adhesions, ratable under DC 7301 up to 80 percent.
Evidence that strengthens this claim
- Hospitalization records are the whole ballgame - outpatient antibiotic courses, even repeated ones, fall at 0 percent under the current criteria.
- CT reports documenting abscess, perforation, obstruction, or bleeding move you from 20 to 30 percent - make sure they are in the claims file.
- If you had a colectomy or colostomy, ask VA to compare the DC 7329 resection ratings (10-100 percent) - the higher evaluation applies.
Rating rules to know
DC 7327 is on the digestive no-combining list: one rating is assigned for the predominant digestive disability picture rather than combining with other DC 7301-7329 ratings.
Related diagnostic codes
More digestive conditions
GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
GERD is chronic acid reflux from the stomach into the esophagus, causing heartburn, regurgitation, and sometimes difficulty swallowing. Since May 19, 2024 it has its own diagnostic code (7206) and is rated on esophageal stricture criteria - how badly documented narrowing of the esophagus affects swallowing and what treatment it requires.
Rated up to 80%
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS is a functional bowel disorder causing abdominal pain tied to bowel movements, with diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or urgency. Since the May 2024 revision it is rated 10, 20, or 30 percent based on how often pain related to defecation occurs.
Rated up to 30%
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum or anus that can bleed, prolapse, or form painful clots (thrombosis). Under the May 2024 criteria they are rated 10 or 20 percent based on bleeding with anemia, prolapse, and how many thrombosis episodes occur per year.
Rated up to 20%
Inguinal Hernia
An inguinal hernia is tissue bulging through a weak spot in the groin wall. Since May 2024, DC 7338 covers all abdominal wall hernias (inguinal, femoral, umbilical, ventral, incisional - but not hiatal) and rates 0 to 100 percent based on whether the hernia is irreparable, its size, and pain during daily activities.
Rated up to 100%
Peptic Ulcer Disease
Peptic ulcer disease is open sores in the stomach or duodenum causing abdominal pain, nausea, and sometimes bleeding. The May 2024 revision consolidated the old separate gastric, duodenal, and marginal ulcer codes into a single DC 7304 rated on episode frequency, bleeding, and hospitalization.
Rated up to 100%
Gallbladder Disease (Chronic Biliary Tract Disease)
Chronic gallbladder and biliary tract disease causes recurring attacks of right-upper-abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting. Since May 2024, DC 7314 covers chronic biliary tract disease broadly and rates 0, 10, or 30 percent based on documented attack frequency over the past 12 months.
Rated up to 30%
Disclaimer: Valor Rating is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Always review your documents carefully before submitting to the VA. For official guidance, consult an accredited VSO, claims agent, or attorney.