Pancreatitis, chronic — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 7347)
The VA rates Pancreatitis, chronic under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.114, Diagnostic Code 7347, from 30% to 100% based on the frequency and functional severity of symptoms. The maximum 100% rating requires Daily episodes of abdominal or mid-back pain that require three or more hospitalizations per year; and pain management by a physician; and maldigestion and malabsorption requiring dietary restriction…. Related conditions in the Digestive body system share this rating framework.
What are the VA rating criteria for Pancreatitis, chronic?
At least one episode per year of abdominal or mid-back pain that requires ongoing outpatient medical treatment for pain, digestive problems, or management of related complications including but not limited to cyst, pseudocyst, intestinal obstruction, or ascites
Three or more episodes of abdominal or mid-back pain per year and at least one episode per year requiring hospitalization for management either of complications related to abdominal pain or complications of tube enteral feeding
Daily episodes of abdominal or mid-back pain that require three or more hospitalizations per year; and pain management by a physician; and maldigestion and malabsorption requiring dietary restriction and pancreatic enzyme supplementation
“Three or more episodes of abdominal or mid-back pain per year and at least one episode per year requiring hospitalization for management either of complications related to abdominal pain or complications of tube enteral feeding”
How does the VA rate Digestive conditions?
Common Questions About Pancreatitis, chronic VA Ratings
What is the VA disability rating for Pancreatitis, chronic?
The VA rates Pancreatitis, chronic under Diagnostic Code 7347 at the following tiers: 30%, 60%, 100%. The minimum 30% rating requires: At least one episode per year of abdominal or mid-back pain that requires ongoing outpatient medical treatment for pain, digestive problems, or management of related complications including but not limited to cyst, pseudocyst, intestinal obstruction, or ascites. The maximum 100% rating requires: Daily episodes of abdominal or mid-back pain that require three or more hospitalizations per year; and pain management by a physician; and maldigestion and malabsorption requiring dietary restriction and pancreatic enzyme supplementation.
What is Diagnostic Code 7347?
Diagnostic Code 7347 is the VA rating identifier for Pancreatitis, chronic 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 Pancreatitis, chronic?
The highest schedular rating for Pancreatitis, chronic under DC 7347 is 100%. This tier requires: Daily episodes of abdominal or mid-back pain that require three or more hospitalizations per year; and pain management by a physician; and maldigestion and malabsorption requiring dietary restriction and pancreatic enzyme supplementation. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Pancreatitis, chronic 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 Pancreatitis, chronic ratings?
Pancreatitis, chronic is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.114, Diagnostic Code 7347. 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 Pancreatitis, chronic?
Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by Pancreatitis, chronic 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 Pancreatitis, chronic?
Service connection for Pancreatitis, chronic 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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