Cholecystitis

DC 7314Digestive38 CFR 4.114, DC 7314

Inflammation of the gallbladder, usually caused by gallstones, that causes sudden severe pain in the upper right abdomen. The VA rates cholecystitis based on the frequency and severity of attacks, or persistent symptoms after gallbladder removal.

Rating Levels

You have severe, frequent attacks of gallbladder colic requiring medical treatment, or you have persistent symptoms of nausea, pain, or fat intolerance following gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy).

What the VA looks for

Frequent attacks of gallbladder colic
Medical treatment records for attacks
Cholecystectomy surgical records
Persistent post-surgical symptoms (nausea, pain, fat intolerance)
Ongoing medication for symptom management

Common Pitfalls

⚠If you had your gallbladder removed (cholecystectomy), you can still be rated for persistent symptoms like fat intolerance, nausea, and abdominal pain.
⚠Not documenting every gallbladder attack with treatment records.
⚠Not connecting gallbladder disease to dietary conditions during military service or to medications for service-connected conditions.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions like bile reflux or digestive problems that developed after gallbladder removal.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Gallbladder and Pancreas Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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