The exam form
The examiner fills out VA's "Rectum and Anus Conditions" form (a Disability Benefits Questionnaire, or DBQ). See the form on VA.gov
Form version checked: Updated on 2024-06-13 (v24_1).
What the exam is for
The exam records your diagnosis and how bad it is: bleeding, anemia, prolapse, and how often you get painful clots.
What the examiner will ask and measure
- Your diagnosis: internal or external hemorrhoids, or another problem of the rectum or anus, such as an abscess, loss of bowel control or anal itching.
- How your hemorrhoids started and changed over time.
- Whether your treatment plan includes medicine you take every day for them, and which medicines.
- Outside (external) hemorrhoids: bleeding that keeps happening (persistent bleeding), anemia, and whether you have three or more clot episodes (thrombosis) a year.
- Inside (internal) hemorrhoids: persistent bleeding and anemia. Also whether they're prolapsed, whether they stay out all the time (continuously prolapsed), and how many clot episodes you have a year: three or more, or two or fewer.
- A look at your rectal and anal area. The examiner records whether it's normal or describes what they find. If no exam is done, the examiner gives the reason.
- Blood tests: hemoglobin, hematocrit, white blood cell count and platelets. If your past tests show how you are now, new ones aren't required.
- Scars from your hemorrhoids or their treatment.
- How they affect work tasks, such as sitting, standing or lifting.
Be ready to describe
- When your hemorrhoids started, and how they've changed.
- How often you bleed, and for how long.
- How many painful clots you've had in the past year, with dates if you can, and whether a provider treated them.
- Whether a hemorrhoid slips out, how often, and whether it stays out all the time.
- Any blood test that showed anemia, with the date.
- Treatments you've had, such as medicine, procedures or surgery, with dates.
- How they affect work and daily life, such as sitting for long periods.
Common mistakes
- Not mentioning clot episodes because you don't have one on exam day. VA counts how many you have a year.
- Leaving out bleeding or prolapse because it's hard to talk about. Be accurate and complete. The exam form asks about both.
- Not sending VA lab results that show anemia.
- Guessing how many clot episodes you've had. Keep a log if you can.
How VA rates it
VA rates hemorrhoids on bleeding with anemia, on prolapse, and on how many times a year you have thrombosis (a painful blood clot in a hemorrhoid). The rules differ for internal and external hemorrhoids. VA changed its rules for digestive conditions in May 2024.
In plain English
- 10%: Prolapsed internal hemorrhoids with two or fewer episodes of thrombosis a year; or external hemorrhoids with three or more episodes of thrombosis a year.
- 20%: Internal or external hemorrhoids with persistent bleeding and anemia; or internal hemorrhoids that stay prolapsed all the time (continuously prolapsed), with three or more episodes of thrombosis a year.
The regulation, word for word
Quoted from 38 CFR Part 4 (current as of October 16, 2026). This is what VA applies. The plain-English version above is our summary of it.
38 CFR 4.114, diagnostic code 7336: Hemorrhoids, external or internal Open in the Rating Criteria Lookup
| Criteria | Rating |
|---|
| 7336 Hemorrhoids, external or internal: | |
| Internal or external hemorrhoids with persistent bleeding and anemia; or continuously prolapsed internal hemorrhoids with three or more episodes per year of thrombosis | 20 |
| Prolapsed internal hemorrhoids with two or less episodes per year of thrombosis; or external hemorrhoids with three or more episodes per year of thrombosis | 10 |
Related
About every C&P exam
What is it?
After you file a claim, VA may ask you to have a claim exam, also called a compensation and pension (C&P) exam. It helps VA decide whether your condition is connected to your service, and how severe it is. It isn't treatment: the examiner won't treat you, prescribe medicine or refer you to anyone.
Who does it?
A VA provider or a provider from one of VA's exam contractors (Loyal Source, OptumServe, QTC or VES). VA picks; you can't choose. Hearing, mental health, eye and dental exams are done by specialists. For a reproductive, breast, rectal or mental health exam, or a claim related to military sexual trauma, you can ask for a male or female examiner.
How long does it take?
VA says anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour or more, depending on what you claimed. Some exams are by phone or video. If you claimed more than one condition, VA tries to schedule them on the same day.
Does the examiner decide my claim?
No. The examiner writes a report on a standard form (a Disability Benefits Questionnaire, or DBQ) and sends it to VA. VA decides your claim using all the evidence: the report, your medical and service records, and statements from you and others. The examiner can't tell you the results or answer questions about your claim.
Does everyone get one?
No. If your records already have what VA needs, VA can decide from the records alone (VA calls this Acceptable Clinical Evidence, or ACE).
What if I can't make it?
Call the number on your appointment letter at least 48 hours ahead to reschedule. Missing an exam delays your claim. VA may decide your claim on the evidence it already has, and some claims, such as a claim for an increase, are denied (38 CFR 3.655). If you had a good reason, such as being in the hospital or a death in your family, tell VA and ask for a new exam.
What should I bring?
VA says you don't need to bring anything. Send any new medical records to VA before the exam, because the examiner can't send them in for you. Arrive 15 minutes early and wear clothes you can move in. Many veterans find it helps to bring a short list of their symptoms, medicines and side effects, and key dates, so nothing is forgotten.
Can someone come with me?
You can ask the examiner. They may ask family members or caregivers to wait outside. For a sensitive physical exam, you can ask for a chaperone in the room.
Can I get a copy of the report?
Yes. Ask VA with a Freedom of Information Act or Privacy Act request (VA Form 20-10206). VetEZ Claim can help you fill it out and send it.
Can my own doctor fill out the form instead?
For many conditions, yes. VA publishes the exam forms (DBQs) your own doctor can fill out and you can send in. VA doesn't pay for this. A few exam forms are for VA's own examiners.
Checked against VA's forms and rules on October 20, 2026. General information only, not medical or legal advice about your claim. VA decides every claim.
