Crohn's disease or undifferentiated form of inflammatory bowel disease — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 7326)
The VA rates Crohn's disease or undifferentiated form of inflammatory bowel disease under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.114, Diagnostic Code 7326, from 10% to 100% based on the frequency and functional severity of symptoms. The maximum 100% rating requires Severe inflammatory bowel disease that is unresponsive to treatment; and requires hospitalization at least once per year; and results in either an inability to work or is characterized by recurrent ab…. Related conditions in the Digestive body system share this rating framework.
What are the VA rating criteria for Crohn's disease or undifferentiated form of inflammatory bowel disease?
Minimal to mild symptomatic inflammatory bowel disease that is managed with oral or topical agents (other than immunosuppressants or other biologic agents); and is characterized by recurrent abdominal pain with three or less daily episodes of diarrhea and no signs of systemic toxicity
Mild to moderate inflammatory bowel disease that is managed with oral and topical agents (other than immunosuppressants or other biologic agents); and is characterized by recurrent abdominal pain with three or less daily episodes of diarrhea and minimal signs of toxicity such as fever, tachycardia, or anemia
Moderate inflammatory bowel disease that is managed on an outpatient basis with immunosuppressants or other biologic agents; and is characterized by recurrent abdominal pain, four to five daily episodes of diarrhea; and intermittent signs of toxicity such as fever, tachycardia, or anemia
Severe inflammatory bowel disease that is unresponsive to treatment; and requires hospitalization at least once per year; and results in either an inability to work or is characterized by recurrent abdominal pain associated with at least two of the following: (1) six or more episodes per day of diarrhea, (2) six or more episodes per day of rectal bleeding, (3) recurrent episodes of rectal incontinence, or (4) recurrent abdominal distension
“Moderate inflammatory bowel disease that is managed on an outpatient basis with immunosuppressants or other biologic agents; and is characterized by recurrent abdominal pain, four to five daily episodes of diarrhea; and intermittent signs of toxicity such as fever, tachycardia, or anemia”
How does the VA rate Digestive conditions?
Common Questions About Crohn's disease or undifferentiated form of inflammatory bowel disease VA Ratings
What is the VA disability rating for Crohn's disease or undifferentiated form of inflammatory bowel disease?
The VA rates Crohn's disease or undifferentiated form of inflammatory bowel disease under Diagnostic Code 7326 at the following tiers: 10%, 30%, 60%, 100%. The minimum 10% rating requires: Minimal to mild symptomatic inflammatory bowel disease that is managed with oral or topical agents (other than immunosuppressants or other biologic agents); and is characterized by recurrent abdominal pain with three or less daily episodes of diarrhea and no signs of systemic toxicity. The maximum 100% rating requires: Severe inflammatory bowel disease that is unresponsive to treatment; and requires hospitalization at least once per year; and results in either an inability to work or is characterized by recurrent abdominal pain associated with at least two of the following: (1) six or more episodes per day of diarrhea, (2) six or more episodes per day of rectal bleeding, (3) recurrent episodes of rectal incontinence, or (4) recurrent abdominal distension.
What is Diagnostic Code 7326?
Diagnostic Code 7326 is the VA rating identifier for Crohn's disease or undifferentiated form of inflammatory bowel disease within 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.114. It defines the specific symptom criteria and percentage thresholds a VA adjudicator uses to assign a disability rating. The diagnostic code is listed on a veteran's rating decision letter.
What is the highest rating for Crohn's disease or undifferentiated form of inflammatory bowel disease?
The highest schedular rating for Crohn's disease or undifferentiated form of inflammatory bowel disease under DC 7326 is 100%. This tier requires: Severe inflammatory bowel disease that is unresponsive to treatment; and requires hospitalization at least once per year; and results in either an inability to work or is characterized by recurrent abdominal pain associated with at least two of the following: (1) six or more episodes per day of diarrhea, (2) six or more episodes per day of rectal bleeding, (3) recurrent episodes of rectal incontinence, or (4) recurrent abdominal distension. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Crohn's disease or undifferentiated form of inflammatory bowel disease alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions may also qualify for TDIU at the 100% compensation rate under 38 CFR § 4.16.
What 38 CFR section governs Crohn's disease or undifferentiated form of inflammatory bowel disease ratings?
Crohn's disease or undifferentiated form of inflammatory bowel disease is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.114, Diagnostic Code 7326. This section is part of the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and can be read in full at the eCFR website.
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Crohn's disease or undifferentiated form of inflammatory bowel disease?
Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by Crohn's disease or undifferentiated form of inflammatory bowel disease may be ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. Veterans should work with a VSO or accredited claims agent to document the medical relationship.
What evidence do I need to establish service connection for Crohn's disease or undifferentiated form of inflammatory bowel disease?
Service connection for Crohn's disease or undifferentiated form of inflammatory bowel disease requires three elements: (1) a current diagnosis of the condition, (2) an in-service event, injury, or disease that may have caused or aggravated it, and (3) a medical nexus connecting the current diagnosis to that in-service event. A nexus letter from a treating physician or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence. C&P exam findings can also establish nexus if adequately documented.
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