EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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Crohn's Disease VA Disability Rating
DC 7323 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.114 | M21-1, Part IV.ii.9
OVERVIEW
Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease rated under DC 7323 (ulcerative colitis) or by analogy. Ratings are based on frequency of exacerbations, nutritional impact, and general health impairment. Stress from military service is a recognized trigger for inflammatory bowel disease onset and flare-ups.
RATING CRITERIA (4 LEVELS)
100% -- Pronounced, resulting in marked malnutrition, anemia, and general debility, OR with serious complications (fistula, obstruction)
Severe systemic impact with complications.
60% -- Severe, with numerous attacks per year and malnutrition, health only fair during remissions
Frequent exacerbations with ongoing nutritional impact.
30% -- Moderately severe, with frequent exacerbations
Multiple flare-ups per year requiring treatment.
10% -- Moderate, with infrequent exacerbations
Periodic symptoms with generally good remission periods.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Colonoscopy/endoscopy reports documenting disease extent and severity
-Biopsy results confirming Crohn's disease
-Lab work showing inflammation markers (CRP, ESR, fecal calprotectin), anemia, or nutritional deficiencies
-Medication records (biologics, immunomodulators, steroids, 5-ASA medications)
-Hospitalization records for flare-ups, surgeries, or complications
-Weight and nutritional status documentation
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (4 MAPPED)
Depression / AnxietySTRONG
DC 9434/9413
IBD has extremely high comorbidity with mental health conditions.
AnemiaSTRONG
DC 7700
Chronic inflammation and GI blood loss cause iron deficiency anemia.
Joint Pain (Extraintestinal)MODERATE
DC 5002/5009
Crohn's disease causes extraintestinal inflammatory arthritis in up to 30% of patients.
Fistula / FissureSTRONG
DC 7332/7335
Perianal fistulas are a direct complication of Crohn's disease.
C&P EXAM TIPS (4)
1.Document every flare-up: date, duration, severity, hospitalizations, missed work, medications required.
2.Weight loss and malnutrition documentation is critical for higher ratings.
3.If you are on biologic medications (Humira, Remicade, Stelara), document the treatment regimen and side effects.
4.Extraintestinal manifestations (joint pain, skin conditions, eye inflammation) should be claimed separately.
DOLLAR IMPACT
Crohn's at 60% pays $1,432.71/mo. With secondary anemia, arthritis, mental health, and surgical complications, combined ratings frequently reach 80-100%.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026