Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis is rated under diagnostic code 7323, which directs VA to rate the condition using the same formula as Crohn's disease and undifferentiated inflammatory bowel disease under diagnostic code 7326. Four ratings are possible: 10%, 30%, 60%, and 100%.

The 10% rating applies when symptoms are minimal to mild, managed with oral or topical agents other than immunosuppressants or biologics, with recurrent abdominal pain, three or fewer daily episodes of diarrhea, and no signs of systemic toxicity. The 30% rating applies when symptoms are mild to moderate, still managed with oral or topical agents other than immunosuppressants or biologics, but with minimal signs of toxicity such as fever, rapid heart rate, or anemia. The 60% rating requires outpatient management with immunosuppressants or biologic agents, recurrent abdominal pain, four to five daily episodes of diarrhea, and intermittent signs of toxicity. The 100% rating applies when the disease is severe, unresponsive to treatment, requires hospitalization at least once a year, and results in an inability to work or is marked by recurrent abdominal pain with at least two serious symptoms such as six or more daily episodes of diarrhea or rectal bleeding, recurrent rectal incontinence, or recurrent abdominal distension. VA requires the diagnosis to be confirmed by endoscopy or radiologic studies. If you have a colectomy or colostomy with continuing symptoms, VA will rate your condition under whichever diagnostic code provides the higher rating.