Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Diagnostic Code 7319 • 38 CFR § 4.114
10% = continuous medication; 30% = severe pattern with more or less constant abdominal distress
Diagnostic Code
7319
IBS Rating Percentages at a Glance
Severe
Diarrhea or alternating diarrhea/constipation with more or less constant abdominal distress
$552.47/mo
vet alone
Requiring continuous medication
Ongoing prescriptions or documented need for daily OTC control
$180.42/mo
vet alone
Symptomatic, no continuous medication
SC without compensable severity
$0
vet alone
Complete regulatory criteria, CFR citations, and official rating notes
Real-World Compensation Scenarios
30% IBS + 70% PTSD + 10% GERD
Gut-brain claims often combine into 80–90% range—illustrative ~$2,102.15–$2,362.30/mo.
10% IBS + 50% sleep apnea + 40% lumbar
Even “low” IBS pulls combined % up—often lands near 80% combined.
30% IBS + hemorrhoids secondary
File secondaries from IBS—hemorrhoids (DC 7336) commonly add another schedular rating.
Complete Rating Criteria (DC 7319)
| Rating | Criteria | Pay |
|---|---|---|
| 30% | Qualifying abdominal pain related to defecation at least one day per week during the previous three months, plus at least two listed bowel changes. | $552.47 |
| 20% | Qualifying abdominal pain related to defecation at least three days per month during the previous three months, plus at least two listed bowel changes. | $356.66 |
| 10% | Qualifying abdominal pain related to defecation at least once during the previous three months, plus at least two listed bowel changes. | $180.42 |
Detailed Evidence Requirements
GI consult diagnosis
Rome criteria / documented IBS after IBD ruled out.
Medication list
Antispasmodics, rifaximin, tricyclics, SSRIs for gut, loperamide—show continuity.
Daily symptom diary
Stool form (Bristol), pain hours per day, missed work—critical for 30%.
Colonoscopy / labs
Rule out Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis, celiac—strengthens IBS dx.
Nexus letter
Link to infectious gastroenteritis in service, PTSD, or anxiety—see PTSD guide.
Secondary Conditions Grid
Claim Timeline
Rule-out workup
Colonoscopy / celiac labs if not done.
Document meds
Pharmacy printout + doctor stating continuous need.
Start diary
30–90 days minimum for 30% cases.
File + nexus
Secondary theory if mental health SC.
C&P
Quantify “constant distress” with concrete examples.
What Gets You Higher Ratings?
0% → 10%
Show continuous medication requirement—prescription renewals, refill history, doctor notes.
10% → 30%
Document constant abdominal distress and severe stool pattern—diary spanning months + work impact.
Common Mistakes
FAQs
▸ Gulf War / presumptive IBS?
Qualifying veterans may receive presumptive service connection—verify current PACT/Gulf rules.
▸ IBS vs IBD?
Different ratings—IBD uses separate DCs; accurate diagnosis matters.
▸ Can I work with 30%?
Yes—30% reflects symptom severity, not unemployability (unless TDIU is raised separately).
Cross-Links
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This page provides general educational information based on public VA regulations and VA.gov resources. It is not legal or medical advice, and My Claim Packet is not a VA-accredited representative. Any worksheets or draft documents produced by the tools must be reviewed for accuracy and are not filed with VA for you. Ratings and service connection are decided case-by-case from the individual record. Consult a VA-accredited VSO, claims agent, attorney, or qualified clinician for help with your situation, and verify current rules using the linked official source.