Chronic Constipation, Medication-Induced

DC 7319Digestive38 CFR 4.114, DC 7319

Ongoing constipation caused by medications you take for other service-connected conditions, such as pain medications, antidepressants, or blood pressure drugs. The VA rates it based on how often you have symptoms and how much it affects 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 constipation with constant abdominal distress despite treatment. You may need prescription medications, enemas, or dietary restrictions. This is the maximum rating under DC 7319.

What the VA looks for

Constant or near-constant abdominal distress
Multiple prescription medications for constipation
Dietary restrictions required
Emergency room visits or hospitalizations for severe constipation
Significant impact on work and daily life

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not establishing the connection to your service-connected medication — you need medical records showing which medication causes your constipation and that you cannot stop taking it.
⚠Not keeping a symptom diary — document the frequency and severity of your constipation episodes, including how many days per week you are affected.
⚠Not documenting all treatments you have tried — the VA wants to see that you have tried dietary changes, over-the-counter options, and prescription medications.
⚠Not filing as a secondary condition — medication-induced constipation should be claimed secondary to the condition requiring the medication that causes it.

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…

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7319

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have severe constipation with constant abdominal distress despite treatment. You may need prescription medications, enemas, or dietary restrictions. This is the maximum rating under DC 7319.

What the VA looks for

Constant or near-constant abdominal distress
Multiple prescription medications for constipation
Dietary restrictions required
Emergency room visits or hospitalizations for severe constipation
Significant impact on work and daily life

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not establishing the connection to your service-connected medication — you need medical records showing which medication causes your constipation and that you cannot stop taking it.

⚠Not keeping a symptom diary — document the frequency and severity of your constipation episodes, including how many days per week you are affected.

⚠Not documenting all treatments you have tried — the VA wants to see that you have tried dietary changes, over-the-counter options, and prescription medications.

⚠Not filing as a secondary condition — medication-induced constipation should be claimed secondary to the condition requiring the medication that causes it.