38 CFR Part 4 — 38 CFR § 4.114
Hemorrhoids External Or Internal
dc-7336-hemorrhoids-external-or-internal
Digestive
Diagnostic code
7336
Why your DC matters: DC 7336 is the exact code the VA uses to rate this condition. It determines which symptoms unlock which percentage, what evidence the rater looks for, and which secondaries are most likely to be approved.
Last verified against 38 CFR (eCFR Part 4):
Rating criteria (38 CFR Part 4)
Diagnostic code 7336 — Hemorrhoids External Or Internal — is listed under 38 CFR § 4.114 in 38 CFR Part 4. The paragraphs below summarize how this code is used; the official schedule text controls exact percentages, formulas, and notes.
Schedule summary (educational, not a substitute for the regulation): Educational index row from the rating schedule naming convention; confirm exact diagnostic code, effective date, and criteria in the current eCFR Part 4.
Exact rating criteria: Open Part 4 in the eCFR (link under “Official source” below). Locate your diagnostic code number (7336) in the correct body-system subpart, or use Find in Page (Ctrl+F / ⌘F) for “7336”. Copy the verbatim rating table, including any parenthetical notes, exceptions, and cross-references, for the version of Part 4 that applies to your effective date.
Effective dates & which schedule version applies
Which diagnostic code, percentage, and effective date apply depends on the facts of your claim and the version of the rating schedule in force for the period being decided. Generally, VA applies the schedule in effect at the specified time under 38 U.S.C. § 5110 and implementing rules, subject to exceptions (e.g., protected ratings, liberalizing law changes—see regulation and VA manual policy as applicable).
For older claims, the **current** eCFR may not match the text that applied years ago. If your decision references a prior percentage or code, compare against the Part 4 text **as of** your claim’s relevant dates; historical Federal Register / CFR snapshots may be needed for precise comparison.
The “Last verified” date on this page is when we last checked this educational summary against the electronic CFR—not the date of any VA policy or your personal claim decision.
Notes for your claim
Evidence: Show that your diagnosis and severity match the factors the schedule names for DC 7336 (e.g., measurements, frequency, treatment, functional loss), with medical and lay evidence as appropriate.
C&P exams: Results should reflect the schedule’s requirements (correct joints measured, correct formulas). If the exam omits required findings, consider submitting records or requesting clarification.
If you disagree with the DC, percentage, or effective date, review the Part 4 text for your period and consider a supplemental claim or appeal with a VA-accredited representative.
This site does not provide legal advice.
Official source
38 CFR Part 4 (eCFR) — locate diagnostic code 7336 in the subpart for your body system (use Find in Page if needed).
Hemorrhoids under DC 7336 have a simple, sharply tiered schedule but a huge gap between 0% and 20% that most veterans never bridge. The 20% rating requires persistent bleeding AND secondary anemia OR fissures — most veterans claim only the bleeding part. Internal/external thrombosed alone, no matter how painful, rates 0% under VA's reading. The play is documenting blood loss with serial labs.
Rating Tiers — What Each Percentage Requires
| Rating | What It Takes | Evidence That Supports It |
|---|---|---|
| 20% | With persistent bleeding and with secondary anemia, or with fissures. | Serial CBC labs showing hemoglobin drop; documented chronic anal fissures on exam or colonoscopy report. |
| 10% | Large or thrombotic, irreducible, with excessive redundant tissue, evidencing frequent recurrences. | GI/surgical note documenting large or thrombosed hemorrhoids + recurrence pattern. |
| 0% | Mild or moderate. | Diagnosis only; no significant complications. |
What Qualifies Under DC 7336?
Diagnosis of hemorrhoids
Internal or external. Confirmed on anoscopy, colonoscopy, or examination.
Severity drives tier
DC 7336 schedule:
- • 0% — mild or moderate
- • 10% — large or thrombotic, irreducible, with excessive redundant tissue, frequent recurrences
- • 20% — persistent bleeding with secondary anemia, OR with fissures
Language Your Rater Needs to See
These are the exact (or near-exact) regulatory phrases that unlock specific tiers. If your DBQ or C&P report doesn't use this vocabulary, the rater may default to a lower percentage even when symptoms qualify.
“Persistent bleeding with secondary anemia”
Both prongs required. 'Persistent bleeding' alone is not enough. The anemia (hemoglobin below normal range on serial CBCs) is what gates 20%. Get labs DRAWN, not just symptoms documented.
“With fissures”
Alternative path to 20% — chronic anal fissures, with or without anemia. Get the colorectal note to document the fissures explicitly.
“Large or thrombotic, irreducible, with excessive redundant tissue, frequent recurrences”
All four together. A single thrombosed external hemorrhoid does NOT meet 10% on VA's reading — they read it conjunctively.
Evidence Checklist — Specific to This Condition
Colorectal/GI evaluation with anoscopy or colonoscopy
CRITICALDocuments grade, recurrence pattern, fissures. THE foundational evidence for any rating above 0%.
Serial CBC labs showing anemia
CRITICALHemoglobin trending below normal on multiple draws. This is what unlocks 20%. Without it, you cap at 10%.
Treatment record
IMPORTANTTopical Rx history, rubber-band ligation procedures, hemorrhoidectomy surgical reports. Recurrence after treatment supports higher tier.
Symptom log: bleeding episodes per month
IMPORTANTDocument blood on stool/toilet paper frequency, severity, and impact. Subjective bleeding alone doesn't qualify but supports the anemia narrative.
C&P Exam Tips
Bring colonoscopy/anoscopy report to the exam
Best evidence the examiner can directly cite in the DBQ. Without it, exam findings may be inconclusive.
Bring CBC trend showing hemoglobin drop
A single low Hb doesn't establish anemia. Bring at least 3 labs over 6 months showing the pattern.
Don't minimize symptoms
'It bothers me sometimes' tanks the rating. Be specific: frequency of bleeding, daily activity limits, pain on defecation, sleep disruption.
Mention every prior treatment
Topicals, ligation, hemorrhoidectomy — and outcome. Recurrence after treatment is core to the 10% tier.
Common Mistakes That Cost Veterans Points
Accepting 0% because 'hemorrhoids are common'
Common ≠ unrateable. If your CBC shows anemia and you have persistent bleeding, file supplemental for 20%.
Not pursuing anemia labs
Bleeding without lab-documented anemia caps you at 10%. Get the CBCs drawn.
Filing as 'GI bleeding' instead of hemorrhoids
Generic GI claims trigger broader workups but don't anchor to DC 7336. Use the specific term.
Tactical Plays
⚡ Get serial CBCs BEFORE refiling for 20%
The 20% tier requires both persistent bleeding AND secondary anemia. Most veterans have the bleeding documented but never had Hb drawn. Schedule 3 labs over 6 months — that's the difference between 10% and 20%.
⚡ Document fissures explicitly
DC 7336 awards 20% for 'persistent bleeding with secondary anemia OR with fissures.' The fissure path is the easier route if you have them. Make sure the colorectal note uses the word 'fissures.'
⚡ Stack DC 7700 anemia if Hb is chronic-low
Hemorrhoid-driven anemia can rate separately under DC 7700. Don't let it get absorbed.
Secondary Conditions to File With This One
Iron-deficiency anemia
MODERATEDC 7700
Chronic hemorrhoidal bleeding can cause iron-deficiency anemia rated separately under DC 7700.
Anal fissures / fistulas
MODERATEDC 7335
Coexisting fistula-in-ano rates separately under DC 7335.
Painful surgical scar
SITUATIONALDC 7804
Post-hemorrhoidectomy scar rates separately if painful or unstable.
Compensation Scenarios
2026 rates (effective Dec 1, 2025, per va.gov)
0% — single, no dependents
TOTAL
$0.00/mo
Mild or moderate hemorrhoids, no complications.
10% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$180.42
TOTAL
$180.42/mo
Large or thrombotic, irreducible, recurrent.
20% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$356.66
TOTAL
$356.66/mo
Persistent bleeding + anemia OR fissures.
20% hemorrhoids + 10% iron-deficiency anemia
Base rating
$552.47
TOTAL
$552.47/mo
Combined 30% if anemia separately rated under DC 7700.
Note: Amounts are approximations rounded to nearest dollar. Actual comp varies with effective date, dependents (spouse, children, parents — each adds), Aid & Attendance, and additional disabilities. Combined ratings use VA Math (§ 4.25), not simple addition.
Key Definitions
🩸What does 'Secondary Anemia' mean here?
Lab-confirmed anemia (hemoglobin below normal range) attributable to chronic hemorrhoidal blood loss. Requires serial CBCs trending low — not a single value.
💥What is 'Thrombotic, irreducible'?
A hemorrhoid with clotted blood that cannot be pushed back inside. Painful and recurrent. Combined with redundant tissue and recurrences = 10% tier.
✂️What is an Anal Fissure?
A tear in the lining of the anal canal, distinct from a hemorrhoid. Often coexists with hemorrhoids. Provides an alternative path to 20%.
How to File Your Claim
Get a colorectal/GI evaluation on file
Anoscopy or colonoscopy report documenting hemorrhoid grade, fissures, and recurrence history.
Order serial CBCs
At least 3 over 6 months. Trending hemoglobin below normal establishes 'secondary anemia.'
File 21-526EZ specifying 'hemorrhoids (DC 7336)'
Add 'with secondary anemia' or 'with anal fissures' if applicable.
File DC 7700 anemia secondary
If Hb chronically low, anemia rates separately. Filing at the same time locks the effective date.
Document treatment failure if higher tier sought
Topical Rx history + ligation + recurrence is the evidence chain for 10%+.
Typical Claim Timeline
File initial claim
Day 0–7: Submit VA Form 21-526EZ with all medical evidence on file
VA acknowledges claim
Week 1–2: Receive confirmation letter and claim tracking number
C&P examination scheduled
Month 1–3: VA contracts an exam vendor and sends you appointment notice
Attend C&P exam
Bring your full evidence package; describe symptoms on your worst days, not your best
Decision & rating notice
Month 3–6: Decision letter with rating percentage and effective date
First payment & retro back pay
Within 15 days of decision; retroactive to claim date (or effective date if earlier)
Timeline varies by case complexity and VA regional office workload. Some claims resolve faster; others take longer.
Important Considerations
20% requires BOTH bleeding and anemia (or fissures)
Most veterans claim only persistent bleeding. The anemia (or fissure) prong is the gate.
Stack iron-deficiency anemia separately
Chronic hemorrhoidal blood loss → iron-deficiency anemia rates separately under DC 7700.
Single thrombosed hemorrhoid likely 0%
VA reads the 10% tier conjunctively (large OR thrombotic + irreducible + redundant tissue + frequent recurrences). One thrombosed external alone usually rates 0%.
Related Tools & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why am I rated 0% if my hemorrhoids bleed regularly?
Bleeding alone doesn't trigger 10% or 20%. You need either persistent bleeding + lab-confirmed anemia (20%) OR large/thrombotic + irreducible + recurrent (10%). Get CBCs drawn.
Does post-hemorrhoidectomy pain count?
If the surgical scar is painful or unstable, file DC 7804 as a separate rating. Internal pain from the procedure typically resolves and doesn't rate separately.
Can I get a rating for external hemorrhoids alone?
Yes if symptomatic. Internal and external both fall under DC 7336 — they're not separately ratable from each other but the combined picture drives the tier.
What if my hemorrhoids cause anal fissures?
Fissures provide an alternative path to 20% under DC 7336 itself. Get the fissures explicitly documented in the colorectal note.
Official Regulatory Source
Hemorrhoids are rated under 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7336.
38 CFR § 4.114 — Digestive System (eCFR) →Scroll to DC 7336.
⚠️ Verify with a VSO
38 CFR § 4.114 was restructured effective May 19, 2024. DC 7336 was retained but criteria language was updated — verify current text on eCFR before filing.
Next Steps
If your rating decision lists DC 7336, compare your current symptoms and documentation against the criteria above. Consider:
- Requesting a copy of your rating decision and C&P exam report from the VA
- Gathering all relevant medical records (VA and private providers)
- Documenting functional limitations and how they impact work and daily activities
- Obtaining a nexus letter if needed to establish or strengthen service connection
- Filing for secondary conditions that may be related to this primary condition
- Contacting a VA-accredited VSO, claims agent, or attorney to review your file
This is general educational information only — not legal or medical advice.
Also: DC code lookup (tools) lists the same index in a compact layout.
Source: 38 CFR Part 4, Diagnostic Code 7336 • va.gov
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This page provides general educational information only based on public VA regulations (38 CFR) and va.gov resources. It is not legal, medical, or claims assistance. Ratings and service connections are decided case-by-case by the VA based on the individual veteran’s evidence. We do not prepare claims, generate documents, or provide personalized advice. Always consult a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), attorney, or your physician for help with your specific situation. Verify the latest rules on va.gov.