Crohn's Disease

DC 7323Digestive38 CFR 4.114, DC 7323

An inflammatory bowel disease that causes chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. The VA rates Crohn's disease under the ulcerative colitis code based on the severity and frequency of symptoms.

Rating Levels

You have severe Crohn's disease that has resulted in marked malnutrition, anemia, and general debility, or has caused serious complications such as liver abscess.

What the VA looks for

Numerous attacks per year
Malnutrition documented
Anemia on lab work
General debility
Health only fair during remissions
Serious complications (fistulas, abscesses, strictures)

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting flare-up frequency and duration — the rating hinges on whether exacerbations are "infrequent," "frequent," or "numerous."
⚠Not reporting all symptoms including diarrhea, bloody stool, abdominal pain, weight loss, and fatigue.
⚠Missing secondary conditions: fistulas, anal fissures, joint pain (arthritis), skin conditions, and depression are common with Crohn's and may warrant separate ratings.
⚠Not documenting periods of malnutrition or anemia with lab work — these are key markers for higher ratings.

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…