EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
← All Condition GuidesCLAIM RECON INTEL
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) VA Disability Rating
DC 7319 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.114 | M21-1, Part IV.ii.9
OVERVIEW
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is rated under DC 7319 based on severity and frequency of episodes. IBS is strongly associated with PTSD and anxiety through the gut-brain axis — approximately 25% of PTSD patients develop functional GI conditions. It can also develop secondary to medications used for service-connected conditions.
RATING CRITERIA (3 LEVELS)
30% -- Pain at least 1 day per week with 2+ qualifying symptoms
Abdominal pain related to defecation at least one day per week during the previous three months; AND two or more of: change in stool frequency, change in stool form, altered stool passage (straining/urgency), mucorrhea, abdominal bloating, or subjective distension.
20% -- Pain at least 3 days per month with 2+ qualifying symptoms
Abdominal pain related to defecation for at least three days per month during the previous three months; AND two or more of the qualifying IBS symptoms.
10% -- Pain at least once in 3 months with 2+ qualifying symptoms
Abdominal pain related to defecation at least once during the previous three months; AND two or more of the qualifying IBS symptoms.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-GI specialist diagnosis of IBS
-Treatment records showing medication (dicyclomine, loperamide, fiber supplements)
-Documentation of PTSD or anxiety diagnosis as primary condition
-Food diary or symptom log showing frequency of episodes
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (3 MAPPED)
DC 9434/9413
Chronic GI symptoms cause significant depression and anxiety -- independently ratable under the mental health formula.
DC Various
Severe IBS with absorption problems causes weight loss and nutritional deficiency.
DC 7336
Chronic diarrhea and straining from IBS causes hemorrhoids -- file separately.
C&P EXAM TIPS (3)
1.Report the frequency and severity of episodes — 'more or less constant abdominal distress' supports the maximum 30% rating.
2.Document how IBS affects daily activities: need to be near a bathroom, dietary restrictions, missed work.
3.If secondary to PTSD, document the gut-brain axis connection in the nexus opinion.
RELEVANT CASE LAW
38 C.F.R. 4.114, DC 7319 Note
DC 7319 may include functional digestive disorders under 3.317. IBS is a recognized Gulf War undiagnosed/medically unexplained illness presumptive condition.
DOLLAR IMPACT
IBS maxes at 30% ($552/mo). While the max is lower than some conditions, IBS is frequently granted secondary to PTSD with strong medical literature support.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026