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Celiac Disease VA Disability Rating
DC 7319 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.114 | M21-1, Part IV.ii.9
OVERVIEW
Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten, causing intestinal damage and malabsorption. Typically rated by analogy under DC 7319 (IBS) or DC 7323 (colitis) based on symptom severity. Common in veterans who developed symptoms during or after service, often triggered by stress or environmental factors during deployment.
RATING CRITERIA (4 LEVELS)
100% -- Severe malabsorption unresponsive to treatment
Rate by analogy to Crohns disease (DC 7326): severe disease requiring hospitalization at least once per year; AND inability to work or severe recurrent symptoms.
60% -- Moderate malabsorption requiring biologic or immunosuppressive treatment
Significant malabsorption with recurrent abdominal pain and 4-5 daily diarrhea episodes despite treatment; managed with immunosuppressants or continuous medication.
30% -- Mild to moderate symptoms on continuous medication
Mild to moderate celiac disease on continuous medication or strict dietary management; occasional abdominal pain with 3 or fewer daily diarrhea episodes.
10% -- Managed by strict dietary restriction alone
Celiac disease managed by strict gluten-free diet without continuous drug treatment; occasional abdominal symptoms manageable without medication.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Biopsy (gold standard) showing villous atrophy from endoscopy
-Blood tests showing elevated tTG-IgA or EMA antibodies
-Documentation of symptoms and dietary restrictions
-Nutritional deficiency labs (iron, B12, folate, vitamin D, calcium)
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (3 MAPPED)
DC 7700
Malabsorption from celiac causes iron deficiency anemia.
DC 9434
Dietary restrictions, social impact, and chronic symptoms cause depression.
DC 5013
Calcium and vitamin D malabsorption causes bone loss.
C&P EXAM TIPS (3)
1.A biopsy showing villous atrophy is the strongest evidence. Blood tests alone may not be sufficient.
2.Document dietary challenges in military/VA settings. Military dining facilities often cannot accommodate gluten-free diets.
3.Nutritional deficiency lab work supports the severity of the condition.
RELEVANT CASE LAW
38 C.F.R. 4.114, DCs 7323/7326; 38 C.F.R. 4.20
Celiac disease rates by analogy to Crohns disease or UC under DC 7326/7323 per 4.20. Rating based on severity of malabsorption, diarrhea frequency, and systemic effects.
DOLLAR IMPACT
Celiac at 30% pays $552.47/mo. With secondary anemia, osteoporosis, and depression, combined ratings can reach 50-60%.
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NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026