Bile Acid Malabsorption

DC 7319Digestive38 CFR 4.114, DC 7319

A condition where your body does not properly absorb bile acids in the intestine, causing chronic watery diarrhea, bloating, and urgency. It often happens after gallbladder removal or intestinal surgery. The VA rates it based on how often you have symptoms and how they affect your daily life.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how often symptoms occur and how severe each episode is. The examiner will ask about the frequency, duration, and intensity of your episodes, as well as how they affect your ability to work.

Diagnostic code

DC 7319

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.114, DC 7319. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

You have severe bile acid malabsorption with constant or near-constant diarrhea and abdominal distress despite medication. You may have nutritional deficiencies from malabsorption. This is the maximum rating under DC 7319.

What the VA looks for

Constant or near-constant diarrhea despite treatment
Persistent abdominal distress
Fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies (A, D, E, K) on lab work
Multiple medication adjustments documented
Significant work and daily life impairment from urgency

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not connecting bile acid malabsorption to a prior service-connected surgery — if you had gallbladder removal or intestinal surgery during service, the malabsorption should be claimed as a residual.
⚠Not documenting the response to bile acid sequestrants — if cholestyramine controls your symptoms, this actually confirms the diagnosis and supports your claim.
⚠Not getting lab work showing fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies — these prove malabsorption is happening and support a higher rating.
⚠Not keeping a stool diary — documenting the frequency, urgency, and timing of diarrhea episodes shows the examiner the true severity of your condition.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Intestinal Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Bile Acid Malabsorption

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7319

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Constant or near-constant diarrhea despite treatment
Persistent abdominal distress
Fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies (A, D, E, K) on lab work
Multiple medication adjustments documented
Significant work and daily life impairment from urgency

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not connecting bile acid malabsorption to a prior service-connected surgery — if you had gallbladder removal or intestinal surgery during service, the malabsorption should be claimed as a residual.

⚠Not documenting the response to bile acid sequestrants — if cholestyramine controls your symptoms, this actually confirms the diagnosis and supports your claim.

⚠Not getting lab work showing fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies — these prove malabsorption is happening and support a higher rating.

⚠Not keeping a stool diary — documenting the frequency, urgency, and timing of diarrhea episodes shows the examiner the true severity of your condition.