EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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Ulcerative Colitis VA Disability Rating
DC 7323 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.114 | M21-1, Part IV.ii.9
OVERVIEW
Ulcerative colitis is chronic inflammation of the colon and rectum, rated under DC 7323. Like Crohn's disease, ratings are based on frequency and severity of attacks, nutritional status, and overall health. Stress from military service is a recognized contributing factor. The rating criteria are identical to other forms of ulcerative colitis.
RATING CRITERIA (4 LEVELS)
100% -- Severe IBD unresponsive to treatment with hospitalization
Severe IBD unresponsive to treatment; requires hospitalization at least once per year; AND either inability to work OR recurrent abdominal pain with at least two of: 6+ daily diarrhea episodes, 6+ daily rectal bleeding, recurrent rectal incontinence, or recurrent abdominal distension.
60% -- Moderate IBD requiring immunosuppressants or biologics
Moderate IBD managed outpatient with immunosuppressants or biologics; AND recurrent abdominal pain, 4-5 daily diarrhea episodes; AND intermittent fever, tachycardia, or anemia.
30% -- Mild to moderate on continuous medication
Mild to moderate IBD on continuous medication for prevention of exacerbations; AND occasional abdominal pain with 3 or fewer daily diarrhea episodes.
10% -- Mild, sporadic medication
Mild IBD with only occasional abdominal pain managed with sporadic medication or other treatments.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Colonoscopy reports showing disease extent (proctitis, left-sided, pancolitis)
-Biopsy confirming ulcerative colitis
-Lab work (CRP, ESR, anemia markers)
-Medication records (5-ASA, biologics, immunomodulators, steroids)
-Surgical records if colectomy was performed
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (3 MAPPED)
DC 9434/9413
IBD significantly impacts quality of life and mental health.
DC 7700
Chronic colonic bleeding causes iron deficiency anemia.
DC 5009
IBD-associated inflammatory arthritis.
C&P EXAM TIPS (4)
1.Rating criteria are identical to Crohn's disease under DC 7323.
2.If you had a colectomy with ileostomy, the residuals are rated under voiding/ostomy criteria.
3.Document stool frequency, urgency, blood in stool, and impact on work and daily activities.
4.Keep a flare-up diary with dates, duration, and treatments required.
RELEVANT CASE LAW
38 C.F.R. 4.114, DC 7323 (rates as DC 7326)
Ulcerative colitis (DC 7323) rates as Crohns disease or undifferentiated IBD under DC 7326. The evaluating physician selects the code reflecting the predominant disability picture.
DOLLAR IMPACT
Ulcerative colitis at 60% pays $1,432.71/mo. Post-colectomy residuals can rate even higher depending on ostomy complications.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026