Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) VA Disability Rating

Irritable bowel syndrome is rated under Diagnostic Code 7319 in 38 CFR 4.114. Ratings are based on how frequent and severe the abdominal distress, diarrhea, and constipation episodes are. IBS is also one of the functional gastrointestinal disorders that can be presumptively service connected for qualifying Gulf War veterans.

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Educational information only. StratForge is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and does not guarantee any rating, decision, or benefit.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) rating percentages and criteria

Criteria are paraphrased from 38 CFR 4.114. Read the official text before relying on any summary.

Highest evaluation

Severe symptoms: diarrhea, or alternating diarrhea and constipation, with more or less constant abdominal distress.

Intermediate evaluation

Moderate symptoms: frequent episodes of bowel disturbance with abdominal distress.

Lowest evaluation

Mild symptoms: disturbances of bowel function with occasional episodes of abdominal distress.

View official rating criteria

Common symptoms

Cramping abdominal pain, often relieved by a bowel movement
Diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between the two
Urgency and fear of being far from a bathroom
Bloating and excessive gas
Mucus in the stool
Missed work or cancelled plans because of flare-ups

Evidence VA may consider

Gastroenterology notes and diagnostic workup ruling out other causes
A symptom log recording episode frequency and severity
Records of in-service gastrointestinal complaints or deployment to the Southwest Asia theater
Statements describing bathroom urgency and its effect on work
Medication history for antispasmodics or other IBS treatment

Not sure what is already in your file? Request and review your VA C-File or gather your medical records.

C&P exam information for irritable bowel syndrome (ibs)

Quantify episodes per week and how long flares last.
Describe whether abdominal distress is essentially constant.
Explain bathroom urgency and how it limits work, travel, and daily activity.

More detail: How to prepare for a VA C&P exam.

Potential secondary conditions

IBS secondary to PTSD or anxiety
IBS secondary to medication for a service-connected condition
GERD claimed alongside IBS
Hemorrhoids or anal fissures secondary to chronic diarrhea
Depression secondary to a chronic gastrointestinal condition

Learn how these claims work on the VA secondary conditions guide.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) VA claim FAQs

Is IBS presumptive for Gulf War veterans?

Functional gastrointestinal disorders including IBS are among the medically unexplained chronic multisymptom illnesses that may be presumptively service connected for veterans with qualifying Southwest Asia theater service.

Can IBS be secondary to PTSD?

Yes, veterans frequently claim it that way. A supporting medical opinion connecting the mental health condition to the gastrointestinal symptoms is generally needed.