Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Diagnostic Code 7319 • 38 CFR § 4.114
Current schedule (May 19, 2024): 10 / 20 / 30. Same associated findings at every tier. Frequency of abdominal pain related to defecation over the prior three months is what changes the percentage. The old 0% mild rung is gone.
Diagnostic Code
7319
Current IBS ratings at a glance
Every tier also requires two or more of: change in stool frequency, change in stool form, altered stool passage (straining and/or urgency), mucorrhea, abdominal bloating, or subjective distension.
At least one day per week
Abdominal pain related to defecation at least one day per week during the previous three months, plus two or more associated findings.
$552.47/mo
2026 100% scale, vet alone
At least three days per month
Abdominal pain related to defecation at least three days per month during the previous three months, plus two or more associated findings.
$356.66/mo
2026 100% scale, vet alone
At least once in three months
Abdominal pain related to defecation at least once during the previous three months, plus two or more associated findings.
$180.42/mo
2026 100% scale, vet alone
Dollar figures are the veteran-alone base rate for that overall percentage, not an amount added for IBS. DC 7319 has no 50% or 60% rung. Criteria checked August 29, 2026 against eCFR § 4.114.
Same current table, written for the exam form.
Records that map to the current criteria
Diagnosis
IBS or a functional digestive disorder mapped to DC 7319 after other disease is considered.
Three-month frequency log
Days with abdominal pain related to defecation. That count is the rating difference.
Associated findings
Stool frequency or form change, straining, urgency, mucus, bloating, distension.
Treatment history
What was tried. Continuity of care supports the diagnosis; it is not a separate 10% test anymore.
Medical-link opinion if needed
Direct, secondary, or Gulf War / § 3.317 paths are separate from severity. Treating clinician first, then a VSO. They file. We don’t.
How the current tiers differ
10%
Pain related to defecation at least once in the prior three months, plus two associated findings.
20%
Same findings, at least three days per month in that window.
30%
Same findings, at least one day per week in that window. Maximum schedular rating under DC 7319.
The retired “continuous medication = 10%” and “constant abdominal distress = 30%” tests are not in the current table.
Common mistakes
Using the pre-May 2024 mild / moderate / severe ladder or a 0% mild rung.
Calling a few bad days ‘constant abdominal distress.’ Count days in the three-month window.
Treating daily medication as if it still set the 10% tier by itself.
Assuming IBS is automatically secondary to PTSD without a case-specific medical link.
Combining another digestive code for the same manifestation (§ 4.14 / § 4.114 instruction).
Related
⚠️ 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.