Chronic Viral Gastroenteritis Residuals

DC 7319Digestive38 CFR 4.114, DC 7319

Lasting digestive problems after a viral infection of the stomach and intestines, such as norovirus or rotavirus. Some veterans develop ongoing bowel dysfunction, abdominal pain, and food intolerances after a severe infection during military service. The VA rates these residuals based on the frequency and severity of ongoing symptoms.

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 moderate ongoing symptoms with frequent episodes of diarrhea, abdominal pain, food intolerances that developed after the infection, and moderate impact on daily life.

What the VA looks for

Frequent diarrhea episodes documented
Abdominal pain interfering with daily activities
Food intolerances developed post-infection
Post-infectious IBS diagnosis if applicable
Moderate impact on employment

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not establishing the connection between the in-service infection and current symptoms — post-infectious bowel dysfunction is well-documented in medical literature, and a nexus letter from a gastroenterologist can support the claim.
⚠Not documenting the original gastroenteritis episode in service treatment records — if records are missing, buddy statements from fellow service members who witnessed the illness can help.
⚠Not getting a formal post-infectious IBS or functional bowel disorder diagnosis — this medical diagnosis links your current symptoms to the original infection and strengthens the claim.
⚠Not tracking symptom frequency and severity over time — a symptom diary showing the pattern and impact of bowel dysfunction helps the examiner rate the condition accurately.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Intestinal Conditions (Other Than Surgical or Infectious)

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

Chronic Viral Gastroenteritis Residuals

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7319

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have moderate ongoing symptoms with frequent episodes of diarrhea, abdominal pain, food intolerances that developed after the infection, and moderate impact on daily life.

What the VA looks for

Frequent diarrhea episodes documented
Abdominal pain interfering with daily activities
Food intolerances developed post-infection
Post-infectious IBS diagnosis if applicable
Moderate impact on employment

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not establishing the connection between the in-service infection and current symptoms — post-infectious bowel dysfunction is well-documented in medical literature, and a nexus letter from a gastroenterologist can support the claim.

⚠Not documenting the original gastroenteritis episode in service treatment records — if records are missing, buddy statements from fellow service members who witnessed the illness can help.

⚠Not getting a formal post-infectious IBS or functional bowel disorder diagnosis — this medical diagnosis links your current symptoms to the original infection and strengthens the claim.

⚠Not tracking symptom frequency and severity over time — a symptom diary showing the pattern and impact of bowel dysfunction helps the examiner rate the condition accurately.