Digestive

DC 7327

Diverticulitis and diverticulosis

Educational use only. Not legal or medical advice. Read 38 CFR §4.114 on eCFR
Diagnostic Code
7327
CFR Section
§4.114 — Digestive

Rating Tiers

30%

Diverticular disease requiring hospitalization for abdominal distress, fever, and leukocytosis (elevated white blood cells) one or more times in the past 12 months; and with at least one of the following complications: (1) hemorrhage, (2) obstruction, (3) abscess, (4) peritonitis, or (5) perforation

20%

Diverticular disease requiring hospitalization for abdominal distress, fever, and leukocytosis (elevated white blood cells) one or more times in the past 12 months; and without associated (1) hemorrhage, (2) obstruction, (3) abscess, (4) peritonitis, or (5) perforation

0%

Asymptomatic; or a symptomatic diverticulitis or diverticulosis that is managed by diet and medication

What Raters Look For

Based on M21-1 adjudication criteria for Digestive conditions. These are the factors a VA rater evaluates when assigning a rating percentage.

M21-1 III.iv.4.D
  • •Weight loss — documented weight changes in treatment records
  • •Frequency and severity of symptoms: pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
  • •Dietary restrictions required due to the condition
  • •Need for surgical intervention, feeding tubes, or colostomy
  • •Imaging and endoscopy findings (scope reports, biopsy results)
  • •Hepatic function if liver disease is involved: bilirubin, albumin, INR, Child-Pugh score