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 applicable level depends on the full criteria and the evidence for the condition. These percentages are alternatives, not amounts to add together.
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%
Where this code is published
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”
What other digestive conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), complications of (such as strictures and biliary leaks) in 38 CFR Part 4. The rating schedule is ordered anatomically, so neighbouring codes usually cover the same joint, organ, or system, and a claim often involves more than one of them.
- 7311Residuals of injury of the liverRated up to 0%
- 7312Cirrhosis of the liverRated up to 100%
- 7314Chronic biliary tract diseaseRated up to 30%
- 7315Cholelithiasis, chronicRated up to 0%
- 7317Gallbladder, injury ofRated up to 0%
- 7319Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)Rated up to 30%
- 7323Colitis, ulcerativeRated up to 100%
- 7325Enteritis, chronicRated up to 0%
- 7326Crohn's disease or undifferentiated form of inflammatory bowel diseaseRated up to 100%
- 7327Diverticulitis and diverticulosisRated up to 30%
What to do with a Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), complications of (such as strictures and biliary leaks) rating
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- The VA C&P Exam Explained: Before, During, and AfterA VA C&P exam helps VA decide service connection and your rating. Here is what happens before, during, and after, plus how to request your exam report.
- VA Service Connection Evidence 101: The Three-Legged StoolFor an original claim tied to active-duty service, VA needs a current disability, an in-service event, and a link between them. Here is what each part takes.
- VA Math Explained: How Combined Disability Ratings Really WorkVA ratings do not add. Learn how 38 CFR 4.25 combines disabilities using whole-person efficiency, why 50 and 30 round to 70, and how the bilateral factor works.
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, published in 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.
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