Veterans with service-connected hemorrhoids can receive VA disability compensation rated under Diagnostic Code 7336, with possible ratings of 0%, 10%, or 20% depending on symptom severity and frequency of thrombosis. The VA overhauled the criteria for this code effective May 19, 2024, replacing the old "mild or moderate" language with specific, measurable thresholds tied to bleeding, anemia, prolapse, and thrombosis episodes.
This guide covers the current 2026 rating criteria straight from 38 CFR 4.114, how much each rating pays, how to establish service connection, secondary conditions that commonly accompany hemorrhoids claims, and the steps to file.
VA Hemorrhoids Rating Criteria Under Diagnostic Code 7336
Diagnostic Code 7336 covers both external and internal hemorrhoids. As codified in the current edition of 38 CFR 4.114, the schedule now lists only two compensable levels, 10% and 20%. The 0% rating still exists, but it comes from a separate regulation, 38 CFR 4.31, which requires the VA to assign a 0% evaluation whenever a diagnostic code does not include its own noncompensable tier and the veteran's symptoms do not meet the minimum compensable criteria.
| Rating | Criteria (38 CFR 4.114, DC 7336) |
|---|
| 20% (maximum) | Internal or external hemorrhoids with persistent bleeding and anemia, or continuously prolapsed internal hemorrhoids with three or more episodes per year of thrombosis |
| 10% | Prolapsed internal hemorrhoids with two or fewer episodes per year of thrombosis, or external hemorrhoids with three or more episodes per year of thrombosis |
| 0% | Service-connected hemorrhoids that do not meet the 10% or 20% criteria (assigned under 38 CFR 4.31) |
The maximum schedular rating for hemorrhoids alone is 20%. There is no higher rating available under DC 7336 regardless of how severe the condition becomes, so veterans with significant complications typically pursue additional claims for related conditions to raise their combined disability rating.
What Changed in the May 2024 Update
Before May 19, 2024, DC 7336 used descriptive, subjective language. A 20% rating required "persistent bleeding and secondary anemia, or with fissures." A 10% rating required hemorrhoids described as "large or thrombotic," "irreducible," with "excessive redundant tissue," and "evidencing frequent recurrences." A 0% rating applied to hemorrhoids classified as "mild or moderate."
The 2024 revision, part of a broader overhaul of 55 digestive system diagnostic codes, replaced those subjective terms with objective, countable thresholds. The new criteria measure specific numbers of thrombosis episodes per year and distinguish between internal and external hemorrhoids for purposes of the 10% tier. The rating decision now depends less on a single examiner's characterization of severity and more on documented frequency of thrombosis, bleeding, and anemia, which can make outcomes more predictable but also puts more weight on having thorough medical records.
If your hemorrhoids claim was rated before May 19, 2024, the new criteria do not automatically apply to your existing rating. You can file a claim for increased rating if your symptoms have worsened or if you believe the current criteria would result in a higher evaluation based on your documented history.
2026 VA Disability Pay for Hemorrhoids Ratings
The 2026 VA compensation rates reflect a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment that took effect December 1, 2025.
| Rating | Monthly Pay (Veteran Alone) |
|---|
| 0% | $0 (service-connected but no compensation) |
| 10% | $180.42 |
| 20% | $356.66 |
At both 10% and 20%, the monthly payment is fixed and does not increase for dependents such as a spouse or children. The VA only adds dependent compensation starting at the 30% rating level, which is not achievable under DC 7336 alone. Because hemorrhoids max out at 20%, most veterans who receive additional monthly amounts for dependents are being paid for a combined rating that includes other service-connected conditions, not hemorrhoids by itself.
These figures reflect compensation for hemorrhoids alone. If you have other service-connected conditions, your actual monthly payment depends on your combined disability rating, calculated using VA math rather than simple addition.
Establishing Service Connection for Hemorrhoids
To receive compensation for hemorrhoids, you must show the condition is connected to your military service.
Direct service connection requires evidence that hemorrhoids began during or were caused by active duty service. Common causes documented in service records include prolonged sitting during long deployments or vehicle operation, heavy lifting, chronic constipation from field diet or dehydration, and straining associated with physical training.
Secondary service connection applies when hemorrhoids develop as a result of another service-connected condition. This is one of the most common paths for hemorrhoids claims, since the condition frequently follows chronic gastrointestinal problems. Conditions that commonly lead to secondary hemorrhoids claims include:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), particularly the constipation-predominant subtype
- Crohn's disease or other inflammatory bowel disease
- Chronic constipation caused by opioid pain medications prescribed for a service-connected back, joint, or nerve condition
- Lumbar spine conditions that involve chronic straining or altered bowel mechanics
- Pregnancy-related conditions are not applicable to most veteran claims but heavy physical strain from PT or rucking is frequently cited
If you already have a service-connected digestive condition or you take medication for another rated disability that causes constipation, you may be able to file a secondary service connection claim for hemorrhoids.
Secondary Conditions That Can Increase Your Combined Rating
Because 20% is the ceiling under DC 7336, veterans whose hemorrhoids are severe or who have related complications often pursue additional claims. These are rated separately and combined with the hemorrhoids rating.
Anemia - When bleeding hemorrhoids cause chronic blood loss, anemia is already factored into the 20% hemorrhoids rating itself under the current criteria, so it is generally not rated as a separate condition unless it results from an unrelated cause.
Anal fissures or fistulas - Chronic straining associated with hemorrhoids can lead to fissures or fistulas, which are rated separately under DC 7335 (anal fistula) when documented.
Impairment of sphincter control - In cases involving surgical treatment or significant tissue damage, impairment of sphincter control can be rated under DC 7332, which has its own scale up to 100%.
Pruritus ani (anal itching) - Rated under DC 7337 at 0% or 10% depending on whether bleeding or excoriation is present, this condition commonly accompanies chronic hemorrhoids.
Mental health conditions - Chronic pain and the impact of a gastrointestinal condition on daily life and intimacy can contribute to anxiety or depression, which are rated separately when documented.
Required Evidence for a Hemorrhoids Claim
Medical records documenting a current diagnosis of internal or external hemorrhoids from a licensed provider, ideally including a colonoscopy, anoscopy, or physical exam findings.
Documentation of thrombosis episodes with dates, since the current rating criteria are built around counting thrombosis episodes per year. A log from your treating physician or gastroenterologist showing the frequency of flare-ups strengthens your claim significantly.
Bloodwork showing anemia, if you are claiming the 20% rating based on persistent bleeding with anemia. Hemoglobin and hematocrit values over time help establish the connection between bleeding and anemia.
Service records or buddy statements connecting the onset of hemorrhoids to specific service conditions, such as long deployments, field conditions, or documented in-service treatment.
Nexus letter from a doctor explaining the medical relationship between service (or a service-connected secondary condition) and your hemorrhoids diagnosis. This is important for both direct and secondary service connection claims.
DBQ (Disability Benefits Questionnaire) for the rectum and anus. Your treating physician can complete this form, which is structured to map to the current VA rating criteria.
How to File a VA Hemorrhoids Disability Claim
Step 1: Gather your evidence
Collect medical records, thrombosis episode documentation, bloodwork if applicable, and any lay statements before filing. If claiming secondary service connection, obtain a nexus letter from your doctor.
Step 2: File online at VA.gov
Sign in at VA.gov with your DS Logon, MyHealtheVet, or ID.me account. Navigate to "File a VA disability claim" and complete VA Form 21-526EZ. You can upload supporting documents directly through the portal.
Step 3: Attend your C&P exam
The VA will schedule a Compensation and Pension (C&P) examination. Be thorough and accurate about the frequency of thrombosis episodes, bleeding, and any anemia. The examiner's findings on frequency directly determine which rating tier applies.
Step 4: Review your rating decision
The VA will mail a rating decision letter. If you disagree, you can submit a Supplemental Claim with new evidence, request a Higher-Level Review, or appeal to the Board of Veterans' Appeals.
Step 5: File for secondary or related conditions
If you have anal fissures, sphincter impairment, or other complications related to your hemorrhoids, file those claims at the same time or shortly after to maximize your combined rating.
Tips to Avoid a Lower Rating
Track thrombosis episodes with dates. Since the current criteria count episodes per year, a dated symptom log covering at least 12 months gives the C&P examiner concrete evidence for the correct tier instead of relying on your memory during a single appointment.
Get bloodwork if you experience bleeding. Anemia is a required element of the 20% rating when based on persistent bleeding, so documented hemoglobin or hematocrit results matter as much as the bleeding itself.
Distinguish internal from external hemorrhoids in your medical records. The 10% criteria treat internal and external hemorrhoids differently, so an accurate diagnosis from your provider affects which threshold applies to your case.
Do not let an old diagnosis go unconfirmed. If your last documented hemorrhoids exam was years ago, see a provider for a current evaluation before filing, since the VA requires a current diagnosis to establish service connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum VA disability rating for hemorrhoids?
The maximum schedular rating for hemorrhoids under Diagnostic Code 7336 is 20%. There is no higher rating available under this code alone, so veterans with severe or complicated cases often file additional claims for related conditions like anal fissures or sphincter impairment to increase their combined rating.
Can I get a 0% rating for hemorrhoids?
Yes. Although the current version of Diagnostic Code 7336 no longer lists a 0% tier directly, 38 CFR 4.31 requires the VA to assign a 0% evaluation whenever a service-connected condition does not meet the minimum criteria for a compensable rating. A 0% rating means the condition is officially service-connected but does not pay monthly compensation on its own.
Did the May 2024 changes make it easier or harder to get a higher rating?
It depends on your specific symptoms. The old criteria used subjective terms like "mild or moderate" or "large or thrombotic," which left more room for examiner interpretation. The current criteria use specific, countable thresholds, such as number of thrombosis episodes per year, which can help veterans with well-documented, frequent flare-ups but may not benefit veterans whose symptoms are severe in ways not directly captured by the new language.
Can hemorrhoids be service-connected secondary to IBS or Crohn's disease?
Yes. Hemorrhoids are a well-documented complication of chronic constipation or diarrhea associated with IBS, Crohn's disease, and other gastrointestinal conditions. If you already have a service-connected digestive condition, you can file a secondary service connection claim for hemorrhoids that developed or worsened as a result.
Do I need a nexus letter for a hemorrhoids claim?
A nexus letter is not always required, but it significantly strengthens direct and secondary service connection claims by giving a medical professional's written opinion linking your hemorrhoids to your service or to another service-connected condition. It is especially useful for secondary claims where the connection is not obvious from service records alone.
How long does the VA take to decide a hemorrhoids claim?
Processing times vary by region and claim complexity. As of 2026, the VA aims to decide most disability claims within approximately 125 days, though claims requiring additional evidence, C&P exam scheduling delays, or appeals can take considerably longer. Submitting a fully developed claim with complete medical evidence upfront generally speeds up the process.
Can I receive VA compensation for hemorrhoids and other VA benefits at the same time?
Yes. VA disability compensation for hemorrhoids does not prevent you from receiving other VA benefits you qualify for, and having a service-connected condition can also support eligibility for benefits tied to your combined disability rating, such as VA health care priority groups.
