What happens during a C&P exam for Chronic Constipation?

Bring all relevant medical records and a written list of symptoms. Report your worst days, not your best. The VA rates based on overall impairment.

EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.

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Chronic Constipation

Q: What are the VA rating percentages for Chronic Constipation?

Chronic Constipation (DC 7319) is rated at 10%, 20%, 30% under 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7319. Abdominal pain related to defecation at least once during the previous three months; and two or more of: change in stool frequency, stool form, altered passage (straining/urgency), mucorrhea, bloating, or subjective distension.

Q: What rates 10% for Chronic Constipation under 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7319?

Under 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7319 (DC 7319), a 10% rating for Chronic Constipation requires: Abdominal pain related to defecation at least once during the previous three months; and two or more of: change in stool frequency, stool form, altered passage (straining/urgency), mucorrhea, bloating, or subjective distension.

Q: What rates 20% for Chronic Constipation under 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7319?

Under 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7319 (DC 7319), a 20% rating for Chronic Constipation requires: Abdominal pain related to defecation for at least three days per month during the previous three months; and two or more of those symptoms.

Q: What rates 30% for Chronic Constipation under 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7319?

Under 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7319 (DC 7319), a 30% rating for Chronic Constipation requires: Abdominal pain related to defecation at least one day per week during the previous three months; and two or more of those symptoms.

Q: What evidence do I need for a Chronic Constipation VA claim?

Key evidence for a Chronic Constipation claim includes: Service treatment records; Current medical diagnosis and treatment records; Buddy/lay statements; Prescription history; Employment impact documentation. All evidence should document both the condition and its impact on daily functioning.

DC 7319 | 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7319 | 

✓ VERIFIED AGAINST 38 C.F.R.§ 4.114 (Digestive system) · reviewed 2026-05-17 · ClaimRecon Editorial Team

Chronic Constipation is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 7319 of 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7319 across 3 severity tiers (10% / 20% / 30%). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303.

OVERVIEW

Persistent infrequent or difficult bowel movements, often with straining and incomplete evacuation

RATING CRITERIA (3 LEVELS)

10%

Abdominal pain related to defecation at least once during the previous three months; and two or more of: change in stool frequency, stool form, altered passage (straining/urgency), mucorrhea, bloating, or subjective distension.

20%

Abdominal pain related to defecation for at least three days per month during the previous three months; and two or more of those symptoms.

30%

Abdominal pain related to defecation at least one day per week during the previous three months; and two or more of those symptoms.

KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER

-Service treatment records

-Current medical diagnosis and treatment records

-Buddy/lay statements

-Prescription history

-Employment impact documentation

-Any relevant diagnostic testing

C&P EXAM TIPS (5)

1.Bring all relevant medical records and a written list of symptoms.

2.Report your worst days, not your best. The VA rates based on overall impairment.

3.Document how the condition affects daily activities, work, and relationships.

4.Mention all medications and their side effects.

5.Bring buddy statements from people who observe your symptoms.

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SOURCES & EDITORIAL

Rating criteria text quoted verbatim from 38 C.F.R. § 4.114 (Digestive system). Source verified 2026-05-17 by ClaimRecon Editorial Team during a regulation-text comparison against the Cornell Law CFR mirror; eCFR.gov is the authoritative government source.

→ View § 4.114 on eCFR → Cornell Law mirror → Editorial Standards → Suggest a correction

EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026

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