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

RatingCriteria
30%Chronic bowel problems, hard to control
10%Moderate bowel symptoms
0%Occasional discomfort

How the VA Evaluates Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Gastroenterology reports, colonoscopy/stool test results, history of flare-ups and GI treatment.

Approval rate

High if linked to Gulf War (approx. 70%)

Annual service-connected

42,000 veterans

Average rating

10%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • GI specialist diagnosis
  • Documented history of symptoms
  • Gulf War deployment if presumptive

Strategy Tips

  • Track daily flare-ups
  • Include deployment history
  • Get a specialist to confirm IBS

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • Symptoms not well documented
  • No tie to service or presumptive link

Common Filing Mistakes

  • No symptom logs or GI evaluation
  • Unclear frequency or impact of symptoms

Onset Patterns

  • Often begins after infection, stress, or toxin exposure during deployment

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Anxiety

    Worsens symptoms or develops due to fear of flare-ups

  • Weight Loss

    Food avoidance or malabsorption

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%, 10%, 0%. Examples: 30% — Chronic bowel problems, hard to control; 10% — Moderate bowel symptoms; 0% — Occasional discomfort.
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
The average awarded rating for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is 10%. Roughly 42,000 veterans are service-connected for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) each year. Typical approval likelihood: High if linked to Gulf War (approx. 70%).
What evidence helps prove Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) claim includes: GI specialist diagnosis; Documented history of symptoms; Gulf War deployment if presumptive.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
Common pitfalls when filing for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): No symptom logs or GI evaluation; Unclear frequency or impact of symptoms.
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.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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