VASRD 7319 · Digestive System
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) VA Disability Rating
A chronic condition causing abdominal discomfort, bloating, and frequent diarrhea and/or constipation.
VA Rating Tiers
How the VA Evaluates Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
DC 7319 has three evaluations — 10, 20 and 30 percent — and no 0 percent row. All three require the same two things at once: abdominal pain related to defecation, and two or more of six listed features — (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 separates the tiers is how often that pain occurred during the previous three months: at least once during the previous three months is 10 percent, at least three days per month is 20 percent, and at least one day per week is 30 percent, which is the highest this code provides. The code's Note says it may include functional digestive disorders (see § 3.317 of this chapter), such as dyspepsia, functional bloating and constipation, and diarrhea, and directs that symptoms of a functional digestive disorder not encompassed by this code — including gastrointestinal dysmotility syndrome (DC 7356) — be evaluated under the appropriate diagnostic code, following the general principles of § 4.14.
Approval outlook
High if linked to Gulf War (approx. 70%)
Veterans service-connected
357,156 veterans
Typical rating awarded
~10%
Veterans service-connected count from the VBA Annual Benefits Report (FY2025), as of September 30, 2025. Approval outlook and typical rating are Vetrify editorial estimates — not official VA statistics.
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Best Evidence to Gather
- •Treatment records covering a continuous three-month period, since every tier is measured over "the previous three months."
- •Clinical notes that tie the abdominal pain to defecation and that record which of the six named features are present.
- •A gastroenterology evaluation documenting the diagnosis and the workup behind it.
Strategy Tips
- •Keep the symptom record in the form the criteria use: dated entries showing abdominal pain that is related to defecation, counted across a three-month window. All three tiers are measured over "the previous three months."
- •Make sure at least two of the six named features are captured alongside the pain — change in stool frequency, change in stool form, altered stool passage (straining and/or urgency), mucorrhea, abdominal bloating, or subjective distension. Pain by itself does not meet any tier.
- •If you have digestive symptoms this code does not cover, the Note directs them to their own diagnostic code — gastrointestinal dysmotility syndrome (DC 7356) is the example the schedule gives — rather than being folded into the IBS evaluation.
C&P Exam Pitfalls
- •An examination that records abdominal pain generally without stating whether it is related to defecation, which is the element every tier requires.
- •A record naming only one of the six listed features, when two or more are required at every tier.
- •Nothing in the file spanning three months, which leaves the frequency element unmeasurable.
Common Filing Mistakes
- •Describing symptoms as "severe" or "constant" rather than counted. The current criteria grade days of pain per week or per month across three months, not general severity.
- •Leaving other functional digestive symptoms unclaimed, when the Note directs symptoms not encompassed by this code to the appropriate diagnostic code, including gastrointestinal dysmotility syndrome (DC 7356).
Onset Patterns
- •IBS often begins after a gastrointestinal infection or during a period of significant stress.
Secondary Conditions
Conditions commonly linked to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.
Common questions about Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) a VA-rated disability?
- Yes. The VA rates Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) under VASRD diagnostic code 7319 (Digestive System). A chronic condition causing abdominal discomfort, bloating, and frequent diarrhea and/or constipation.
- What VA disability rating can I get for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
- Possible VA ratings for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) are 30%, 20%, 10%. Examples: 30%: Pain tied to bowel movements at least weekly for 3 months, plus 2+ other IBS symptoms.; 20%: Pain tied to bowel movements 3+ days a month for 3 months, plus 2+ other IBS symptoms.; 10%: Pain tied to bowel movements at least once i…
- What's the typical VA rating awarded for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
- Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) at around 10%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. Per the VBA Annual Benefits Report (FY2025), 357,156 veterans were receiving VA compensation for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) as of September 30, 2025. Estimated approval ou…
- What evidence helps prove Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) for VA disability?
- Strong evidence for a Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) claim includes: Treatment records covering a continuous three-month period, since every tier is measured over "the previous three months."; Clinical notes that tie the abdominal pain to defecation and that record which of the six named features are present.; A gastr…
- What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
- Common pitfalls when filing for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Describing symptoms as "severe" or "constant" rather than counted. The current criteria grade days of pain per week or per month across three months, not general severity.; Leaving other functional digestive symptoms unclaimed, when the Note directs sympt…
- Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) a presumptive condition for VA benefits?
- Yes, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is recognized as a presumptive condition. Presumed service-connected if chronic after Gulf War deployment
- What conditions are commonly secondary to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
- Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) include: Anxiety, Weight Loss. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.
Official sources
- 38 CFR § 4.114 — Schedule of ratings — digestive system (Diagnostic Code 7319)
- VBA Annual Benefits Report (FY2025) — veterans service-connected count, as of September 30, 2025
Rating criteria on this page are an educational summary of the cited regulation — the eCFR text is authoritative. See how Vetrify derives its numbers.
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