Hemorrhoids

DC 7336Digestive38 CFR 4.114, DC 7336

Swollen blood vessels in the rectal area causing pain, itching, and bleeding. Common in veterans from prolonged sitting, heavy lifting, and field conditions during service.

Rating Levels

You have hemorrhoids with persistent bleeding and secondary anemia, or with fissures. This is the maximum rating for hemorrhoids.

What the VA looks for

Persistent bleeding documented
Secondary anemia on lab work
Anal fissures on examination
Ongoing treatment records

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting bleeding frequency — keep a symptom log of every bleeding episode to establish a pattern.
⚠Not getting blood work showing anemia from chronic bleeding — secondary anemia is required for the maximum 20% rating.
⚠Not connecting to heavy lifting duties or prolonged vehicle operation during service — these are common causes of hemorrhoids in veterans.
⚠Not claiming secondary anal fissures which can increase the rating to 20% — fissures are a separate finding that supports the highest rating.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Intestinal Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…