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. As of May 19, 2024, chronic gallbladder and biliary disease is rated under DC 7314 (chronic biliary tract disease) based on how many clinically documented attacks of right upper quadrant pain with nausea and vomiting you have in a 12-month period (and whether you need dilation of a biliary stricture). If your gallbladder was removed, ongoing symptoms are rated separately under DC 7318. For claims pending before May 19, 2024, the VA must apply whichever is more favorable.

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 7314

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.114, DC 7314. 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 had three or more clinically documented attacks of right upper quadrant pain with nausea and vomiting in the past 12 months, or you have needed dilation of a biliary tract stricture at least once in the past 12 months. This is the maximum rating.

What the VA looks for

Three or more clinically documented attacks in the past 12 months, OR
Dilation of a biliary tract stricture at least once in the past 12 months
ER/clinic and procedure records documenting each event

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting each gallbladder or biliary attack clinically documented — under DC 7314 the rating depends on how many documented attacks of right upper quadrant pain with nausea and vomiting you have in a 12-month period (1-2 = 10%, 3 or more = 30%).
⚠If you had your gallbladder removed, remember that ongoing symptoms (diarrhea, pain, fat intolerance) are rated under DC 7318 (post-cholecystectomy residuals), not under DC 7314.
⚠Not connecting gallbladder or biliary disease to dietary conditions during service or to medications for service-connected conditions.
⚠Not documenting biliary strictures and any dilation procedures — needing a dilation at least once in a year supports the 30% level. If your claim was pending before May 19, 2024, ask that both the old and new criteria be considered.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Gallbladder and Pancreas Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Cholecystitis or rated under the same body system.

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

DC 7206·Digestive

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Hepatitis C

Crohn's Disease

Hemorrhoids

Ulcerative Colitis

Hiatal Hernia

Liver Cirrhosis

Condition Rating Guides

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

Cholecystitis

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7314

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Three or more clinically documented attacks in the past 12 months, OR
Dilation of a biliary tract stricture at least once in the past 12 months
ER/clinic and procedure records documenting each event

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting each gallbladder or biliary attack clinically documented — under DC 7314 the rating depends on how many documented attacks of right upper quadrant pain with nausea and vomiting you have in a 12-month period (1-2 = 10%, 3 or more = 30%).

⚠If you had your gallbladder removed, remember that ongoing symptoms (diarrhea, pain, fat intolerance) are rated under DC 7318 (post-cholecystectomy residuals), not under DC 7314.

⚠Not connecting gallbladder or biliary disease to dietary conditions during service or to medications for service-connected conditions.

⚠Not documenting biliary strictures and any dilation procedures — needing a dilation at least once in a year supports the 30% level. If your claim was pending before May 19, 2024, ask that both the old and new criteria be considered.