Body system: Gynecological ConditionsRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.116
A rectovaginal fistula is an abnormal opening between the rectum and vagina that allows bowel contents to leak into the vagina. The VA rates this condition from 0% to 100% based solely on how often fecal leakage occurs through the vagina. Higher ratings reflect more frequent leakage, with daily leakage requiring protective pads earning the maximum 100% rating.
Rating levels
- 100% — You would qualify for this rating if stool (feces) leaks from your vagina at least once every day, and this leakage is severe enough that you need to wear a protective pad daily. This involves an abnormal connection between your bowel and vagina that causes bowel contents to leak through the vaginal opening rather than through normal bowel movements.
- 60% — You must experience fecal matter (stool/poop) leaking from your vagina at least four times per week but not every day. This leakage must be frequent enough that you need to wear protective pads to manage it.
- 30% — You have a connection between your rectum and vagina (called a rectovaginal fistula) that causes stool to leak through your vagina 1-3 times per week. The leakage is significant enough that you need to wear a protective pad to manage it.
- 10% — You would qualify for this rating if you have a rectovaginal fistula (an abnormal opening between your rectum and vagina) that causes fecal matter to leak through your vagina, but this leakage happens infrequently - less than once per week. The condition must be causing actual leakage of stool through the vaginal opening, not just other symptoms.
- 0% — A rectovaginal fistula (an abnormal opening between the rectum and vagina) is present, but there is no leaking of stool or gas from the rectum into the vagina. The fistula exists but is not causing any functional problems or symptoms that interfere with daily activities.