What rating are you likely to get for hemorrhoids? Rectal bleeding can still leave a veteran with a 0% hemorrhoids rating, because VA pays disability compensation for hemorrhoids only when the bleeding comes with anemia, when internal hemorrhoids prolapse, or when external hemorrhoids clot three or more times a year.
To win disability benefits, veterans must successfully establish service connection, document their symptoms and prove to the VA that they meet the rating criteria for hemorrhoids.
What Is the VA Disability Rating for Hemorrhoids?
VA rates hemorrhoids, internal or external, at 10% or 20% under 38 CFR 4.114, Diagnostic Code 7336, the rule in force since May 19, 2024.
| Rating | Rule text (38 CFR 4.114, DC 7336) | What does it mean? |
|---|---|---|
| 20% | “Internal or external hemorrhoids with persistent bleeding and anemia; or continuously prolapsed internal hemorrhoids with three or more episodes per year of thrombosis” | Ongoing bleeding plus anemia shown in the records (internal or external hemorrhoids), or internal hemorrhoids that stay prolapsed and clot three or more times a year |
| 10% | “Prolapsed internal hemorrhoids with two or less episodes per year of thrombosis; or external hemorrhoids with three or more episodes per year of thrombosis” | Internal hemorrhoids that have prolapsed and clot no more than twice a year, or external hemorrhoids that clot three or more times a year |
Are Internal and External Hemorrhoids Rated Differently?
Only internal hemorrhoids can be rated on prolapse. External hemorrhoids qualify for 10% with three or more thrombosis episodes a year and for 20% with persistent bleeding and anemia.
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Rating Criteria for Claims Pending Before May 19, 2024
Before May 19, 2024, the former version of Diagnostic Code 7336 assigned 0% for mild or moderate hemorrhoids; 10% for large or thrombotic, irreducible hemorrhoids with excessive redundant tissue and frequent recurrences; and 20% for persistent bleeding with secondary anemia or fissures.
For a claim that was pending when the criteria changed, VA applies the former criteria to the period before May 19, 2024. From that date forward, VA compares the former and current criteria and uses the version that is more favorable to the veteran.
What Happens If Hemorrhoids Don’t Meet the 10% Rule?
VA assigns a 0% rating when hemorrhoids meet neither the 10% nor the 20% criteria. Diagnostic Code 7336 lists no 0% level, and 38 CFR 4.31 requires a zero percent evaluation whenever a code has none and the requirements for a compensable rating are not met.
A 0% rating pays no monthly compensation. It does record the hemorrhoids as service connected, so if the bleeding, prolapse, or clotting gets worse, the veteran can request an increase in the VA rating based on what has changed. A veteran whose records already document any finding Diagnostic Code 7336 names for 10% or 20% should not settle for 0%.
Under 38 CFR 3.324, a 0% hemorrhoids rating can also count toward a single 10% rating. VA may assign that 10% to a veteran with two or more separate permanent service-connected disabilities that clearly interfere with normal employability, but only when none of the veteran’s disabilities is rated above 0%. VA cannot combine the 3.324 rating with any other rating.
What Evidence Supports a 10% or 20% Hemorrhoids Rating?
- 20% through bleeding: Treatment records showing persistent bleeding, plus documented anemia.
- 20% through prolapse: An exam finding that internal hemorrhoids are continuously prolapsed, plus dated records of three or more thrombosis episodes in a year.
- 10% for internal hemorrhoids: Medical evidence documenting prolapsed internal hemorrhoids and evidence addressing the frequency of thrombosis episodes
- 10% for external hemorrhoids: Dated records of three or more thrombosis episodes in a year.
Clotting episodes and bleeding flares can happen between exams, so a dated symptom log, kept alongside treatment records from each visit, can document observable bleeding, painful lumps, flare dates, and functional effects. Medical evidence is generally needed to confirm anemia, thrombosis, or prolapsed internal hemorrhoids.
Statements from the veteran describing observable symptoms are lay evidence that can support a disability claim when they line up with the medical records. A spouse or family member who knows about the flare-ups can add a buddy statement.
What Does the Examiner Record at a C&P Exam for Hemorrhoids?
At a compensation and pension exam for hemorrhoids, the examiner fills out VA’s Rectum and Anus Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ), whose hemorrhoid checkboxes mirror the rating wording: persistent bleeding, anemia, three or more episodes per year of thrombosis, and, for internal hemorrhoids, continuously prolapsed or prolapsed with two or less episodes per year.
An unchecked box can make the rating harder to establish, especially if the examiner does not discuss the symptom elsewhere. VA must still consider the DBQ and the other evidence in the claim. A veteran can challenge a C&P exam that overlooks documented symptoms or lacks enough detail to apply the rating criteria.
The form also records physical exam findings and lab results. When the examiner checks anemia, the DBQ asks for at least a hemoglobin or hematocrit value in its diagnostic testing section.
Knowing what a DBQ asks helps the veteran make sure the examiner hears about each symptom. Before the exam, it’s also useful to gather a dated symptom log and any blood test results and check a list of things to bring to a C&P exam.
Can Hemorrhoids Be Service Connected Secondary to IBS or GERD?
Potentially. Hemorrhoids caused or worsened (aggravated) by another service-connected condition can be service connected on a secondary basis, because 38 CFR 3.310 covers a disability “proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disease or injury” and any additional severity caused by aggravation.
For an aggravation claim, medical evidence should establish the hemorrhoids’ baseline severity and the additional severity caused by the service-connected condition. Once they are service connected, VA rates the hemorrhoids under the same Diagnostic Code 7336 levels as any other hemorrhoid claim.
A veteran already service connected for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) needs a medical opinion explaining how that condition caused or aggravated the hemorrhoids. GERD by itself does not establish that connection, so a GERD-based opinion should explain the specific medical mechanism and address aggravation. The doctor can put that opinion in a nexus letter.
IBS-related constipation, diarrhea, or straining may support the theory when the clinician connects those bowel changes to the hemorrhoids. Hill & Ponton’s page on secondary conditions to IBS includes a case example of service connecting hemorrhoids as a secondary condition.
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Learn MoreWhat Can a Veteran Do If VA Denies a Hemorrhoids Claim?
The veteran can appeal a VA decision that denied a hemorrhoids claim or assigned a rating lower than the records support. Comparing the decision with Diagnostic Code 7336 shows which required proof the record is missing:
- evidence of persistent bleeding and anemia;
- evidence documenting prolapsed internal hemorrhoids and evidence addressing the number of thrombosis episodes per year;
- medical records confirming thrombosis and the dates of each episode;
- for a secondary claim, a medical opinion linking the hemorrhoids to IBS or GERD.
Hill & Ponton has assisted veterans since 1986, and our VA-accredited attorneys focus on claims the VA denied and requests for higher ratings. There is no fee unless we win. Request a free evaluation to discuss your case and see how we can help.
Written By
Jacqueline Imboden
Sr. Claims Advocate
Jacqueline Imboden joined Hill & Ponton in March 2025, bringing over two decades of experience from the VA, where she led projects related to disability benefit programs, including addressing issues of military exposures. As a military spouse with an extensive background in Veterans' affairs, as well as a Master's degree in Public Administration and Executive Leadership, she has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by service members, Veterans, and their families.
