Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), complications of (such as strictures and biliary leaks)
The VA rates Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), complications of (such as strictures and biliary leaks) under Diagnostic Code 7318 across 3 severity levels, from 0% to 30%. The 30% maximum means additional ratings through secondary conditions or combined ratings are critical for higher compensation.
Also available: View rating schedule for DC 7318
Rating schedule — DC 7318 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 0%
- Maximum rating
- 30%
- Rating tiers
- 3
- CFR section
- § 4.114
- Body system
- Digestive System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
0%, 10%, 30%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), complications of (such as strictures and biliary leaks)?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Asymptomatic |
| 10% | With intermittent abdominal pain; and diarrhea characterized by one to two watery bowel movements per day |
| 30% | With recurrent abdominal pain (post-prandial or nocturnal); and chronic diarrhea characterized by three or more watery bowel movements per day |
“With intermittent abdominal pain; and diarrhea characterized by one to two watery bowel movements per day”
Common Questions About Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), complications of (such as strictures and biliary leaks) VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), complications of (such as strictures and biliary leaks)?
The VA rates Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), complications of (such as strictures and biliary leaks) under Diagnostic Code 7318 at 0%, 10%, 30%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Asymptomatic. The maximum 30% rating requires: With recurrent abdominal pain (post-prandial or nocturnal); and chronic diarrhea characterized by three or more watery bowel movements per day.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), complications of (such as strictures and biliary leaks)?
The VA rates Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), complications of (such as strictures and biliary leaks) under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7318, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.114. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 0% and a 30% rating for Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), complications of (such as strictures and biliary leaks)?
A 0% rating requires: Asymptomatic. A 30% rating requires: With recurrent abdominal pain (post-prandial or nocturnal); and chronic diarrhea characterized by three or more watery bowel movements per day. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), complications of (such as strictures and biliary leaks) qualify for TDIU?
Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), complications of (such as strictures and biliary leaks) maxes at 30%, well below the single-disability TDIU threshold. However, combined with other service-connected disabilities, TDIU may be achievable under 38 CFR § 4.16. Focus on establishing secondary conditions to increase the combined rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), complications of (such as strictures and biliary leaks)?
The key evidence for Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), complications of (such as strictures and biliary leaks) is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. Treatment records showing worsening symptoms, functional limitations documented by your provider, and buddy statements describing observable impact on daily life all strengthen the claim. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.
What happens at the C&P exam for Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), complications of (such as strictures and biliary leaks)?
The C&P examiner uses a Digestive System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 7318 rating criteria. The examiner documents symptom frequency, severity, and functional impact. Bring all treatment records and describe your worst days, not your best — the VA rates on the full clinical picture across time, not a snapshot of one good day.
Get a Personalized Rating Analysis
VeteranHQ evaluates your symptoms against the exact 38 CFR criteria, identifies secondary conditions, and shows what evidence you need to support a higher rating.
Discover Your Benefits