This reference uses VA rating codes. For a code from a medical record, check ICD-10-CM and the service date. A clinical code alone does not establish a VA rating or a matching VA diagnostic code.
Rectum and anus, impairment of sphincter control
Digestive · 38 CFR § 4.114
Diagnostic Code 7332 is the VASRD entry for Rectum and anus, impairment of sphincter control. VA applies the controlling criteria, shared formulas, and special instructions shown in 38 CFR Part 4. VMC presents this material for education and reference; it does not determine a Veteran's diagnosis, service connection, or evaluation.
Recorded index labels
These labels are already stored for this diagnostic code. They are not a new condition, rating, or medical relationship.
Appendix C
- Rectum & anus
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Source-verified VASRD criteria
How VA rates this diagnostic code
These percentages summarize the regulatory criteria already mapped to this diagnostic code. They do not predict a Veteran's individual evaluation or establish service connection.
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
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
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
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
History of loss of sphincter control, currently asymptomatic
Regulatory notes
- Note: Complete or partial loss of sphincter control refers to the inability to retain or expel stool at an appropriate time and place.
Body system and anatomy metadata
Body system: Digestive
Anatomy / region tags: digestive system
These tags support discovery and body-map compatibility. They do not establish Veteran-specific laterality or entitlement.
Official VA DBQ references
DBQ catalog: va-dbq-2026.09.16 · Retrieved 2026-09-16. Official VA inventory ↗
- Esophageal Disorders ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Gastrointestinal
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
- Gallbladder ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Gastrointestinal
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
- Hernias (Including Abdominal, Inguinal and Femoral Hernias) ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Gastrointestinal
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
- Intestinal Conditions ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Gastrointestinal
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
- Liver Conditions ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Gastrointestinal
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
- Pancreas ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Gastrointestinal
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
- Peritoneal Adhesions ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Gastrointestinal
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
- Rectum & Anus ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Gastrointestinal
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
- Stomach and Duodenum ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Gastrointestinal
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
VA maintains some examination forms that are not available for public use. VMC does not infer a one-code-to-one-DBQ relationship.
Evidence information
When reviewing the criteria, useful evidence categories can include diagnosis and treatment records, objective testing identified by the schedule, documented frequency/duration/severity when the criteria use those concepts, and functional effects described in medical or lay evidence. The relevant evidence depends on the actual claim and medical facts.
VMC does not diagnose conditions, guarantee a percentage, or advise anyone to exaggerate symptoms.
Legal basis and source identification
38 CFR § 4.114 · Source current through 2026-08-06 · Verified 2026-08-10
Registry content release: vasrd-registry-2026.08.1

