Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
The VA rates Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) under Diagnostic Code 7319 across 4 severity levels, from 0% to 30%. The 30% maximum means additional ratings through secondary conditions or combined ratings are critical for higher compensation.
Rating schedule — DC 7319 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 0%
- Maximum rating
- 30%
- Rating tiers
- 4
- CFR section
- Part 4, DC 7319
- Body system
- Digestive System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
0%, 10%, 20%, 30%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Irritable bowel syndrome, mild: Occasional episodes of altered bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea), minimal abdominal discomfort, symptoms controlled with diet and/or OTC medications, not interfering with daily activities. Note: Rome III/IV criteria used for diagnosis. Also known as spastic colon. |
| 10% | Abdominal pain related to defecation at least once during the previous three months; and two or more of the following: (1) change in stool frequency, (2) change in stool form, (3) altered stool passage (straining and/or urgency), (4) mucorrhea, (5) abdominal bloating, or (6) subjective distension |
| 20% | Abdominal pain related to defecation for at least three days per month during the previous three months; and two or more of the following: (1) change in stool frequency, (2) change in stool form, (3) altered stool passage (straining and/or urgency), (4) mucorrhea, (5) abdominal bloating, or (6) subjective distension |
| 30% | Abdominal pain related to defecation at least one day per week during the previous three months; and two or more of the following: (1) change in stool frequency, (2) change in stool form, (3) altered stool passage (straining and/or urgency), (4) mucorrhea, (5) abdominal bloating, or (6) subjective distension |
“Abdominal pain related to defecation for at least three days per month during the previous three months; and two or more of the following: (1) change in stool frequency, (2) change in stool form, (3) altered stool passage (straining and/or urgency), (4) mucorrhea, (5) abdominal bloating, or (6) subjective distension”
What other digestive conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) 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.
- 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%
- 7318Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), complications of (such as strictures and biliary leaks)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%
- 7328Intestine, small, resection ofRated up to 80%
Common Questions About Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
The VA rates Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) under Diagnostic Code 7319 at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Irritable bowel syndrome, mild: Occasional episodes of altered bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea), minimal abdominal discomfort, symptoms controlled with diet and/or OTC medications, not interfering with daily activities.. The maximum 30% rating requires: Abdominal pain related to defecation at least one day per week during the previous three months; and two or more of the following: (1) change in stool frequency, (2) change in stool form, (3) altered stool passage (straining and/or urgency), (4) mucorrhea, (5) abdominal bloating, or (6) subjective distension.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
The VA rates Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7319, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR Part 4, DC 7319. 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 Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
A 0% rating requires: Irritable bowel syndrome, mild: Occasional episodes of altered bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea), minimal abdominal discomfort, symptoms controlled with diet and/or OTC medications, not interfering with daily activities.. A 30% rating requires: Abdominal pain related to defecation at least one day per week during the previous three months; and two or more of the following: (1) change in stool frequency, (2) change in stool form, (3) altered stool passage (straining and/or urgency), (4) mucorrhea, (5) abdominal bloating, or (6) subjective distension. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) qualify for TDIU?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) 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 Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
The key evidence for Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) 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 Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
The C&P examiner uses a Digestive System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 7319 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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