---
title: "DC 7330 - Intestinal fistulous disease, external"
diagnostic_code: "7330"
body_system: "Digestive System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.114"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/digestive/7330-intestinal-fistulous-disease-external"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.114"
updated: "2026-07-21T04:15:21.321341Z"
---

# DC 7330 - Intestinal fistulous disease, external

Rated under § 4.114. Body system: Digestive System.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 100% | Requiring total parenteral nutrition (TPN); or enteral nutritional support along with at least one of the following: (1) daily discharge equivalent to four or more ostomy bags (sized 130 cc), (2) requiring ten or more pad changes per day, or (3) a Body Mass Index (BMI) less than 16 and persistent drainage (any amount) for more than 1 month during the past 12 months |
| 60% | Requiring enteral nutritional support along with at least one of the following: (1) daily discharge equivalent to three or less ostomy bags (sized 130 cc), (2) requiring fewer than ten pad changes per day, or (3) a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 16 to 18 inclusive and persistent drainage (any amount) for more than 2 months in the past 12 months |
| 30% | Intermittent fecal discharge with persistent drainage for more than 3 months in the past 12 months |

## Notes

- Note: This code applies to external fistulas that have developed as a consequence of abdominal trauma, surgery, radiation, malignancy, infection, or ischemia.

# Intestinal Fistulous Disease, External (Diagnostic Code 7330)

## Understanding This Condition

An external intestinal fistula is an abnormal opening that connects the intestine to the outside of the body, allowing intestinal contents to drain through the skin. Under the VA's rating schedule, this condition falls within the **Digestive System** and is evaluated under **Diagnostic Code 7330** in **§ 4.114**.

According to VA guidance, this code applies to external fistulas that have developed as a consequence of abdominal trauma, surgery, radiation, malignancy, infection, or ischemia.

## Available Rating Levels

The VA assigns one of the following disability ratings based on the severity of the condition and the level of nutritional and drainage-related impact.

### 100%
Requiring total parenteral nutrition (TPN); **or** enteral nutritional support along with at least one of the following:
1. Daily discharge equivalent to four or more ostomy bags (sized 130 cc)
2. Requiring ten or more pad changes per day
3. A Body Mass Index (BMI) less than 16 and persistent drainage (any amount) for more than 1 month during the past 12 months

### 60%
Requiring enteral nutritional support along with at least one of the following:
1. Daily discharge equivalent to three or less ostomy bags (sized 130 cc)
2. Requiring fewer than ten pad changes per day
3. A Body Mass Index (BMI) of 16 to 18 inclusive and persistent drainage (any amount) for more than 2 months in the past 12 months

### 30%
Intermittent fecal discharge with persistent drainage for more than 3 months in the past 12 months

## What the VA Looks For

When rating external intestinal fistulous disease, the VA focuses on measurable indicators of severity, including:

- **Nutritional support requirements** — whether total parenteral nutrition (TPN) or enteral nutritional support is needed
- **Volume of discharge** — measured in terms of ostomy bag equivalents (sized 130 cc)
- **Pad changes per day** — the number required to manage drainage
- **Body Mass Index (BMI)** — used at the 100% and 60% levels
- **Persistence and duration of drainage** — how many months during the past 12 months drainage or fecal discharge has been present

Documentation reflecting these specific measures helps the VA evaluate which rating level corresponds to the condition.

Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.114