Crohn's Disease

DC 7326Digestive38 CFR 4.114, DC 7326

An inflammatory bowel disease that causes chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. As of May 19, 2024, Crohn's disease is rated under DC 7326 based on the treatment your disease requires (oral/topical medications versus immunosuppressants or biologic agents), how many episodes of diarrhea you have per day, signs of toxicity (fever, rapid heart rate, anemia), and whether it requires hospitalization or prevents you from working. For claims pending before May 19, 2024, the VA must apply whichever is more favorable: the new criteria or the old version.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on the type and intensity of treatment you require. Higher ratings correspond to more aggressive treatment regimens, such as daily medication, insulin dependence, or the need for ongoing medical management.

Diagnostic code

DC 7326

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.114, DC 7326. 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 inflammatory bowel disease that does not respond to treatment, requires hospitalization at least once a year, and either makes you unable to work or causes recurrent abdominal pain with at least two of: six or more episodes of diarrhea per day, six or more episodes of rectal bleeding per day, recurrent loss of bowel control, or recurrent abdominal distension.

What the VA looks for

Unresponsive to treatment
Hospitalization at least once per year
Inability to work, OR recurrent abdominal pain with 2+ of: 6+ diarrhea/day, 6+ rectal bleeding/day, recurrent incontinence, recurrent distension

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting your treatment type — under DC 7326 being managed with immunosuppressants or biologic agents supports a 60% rating, while oral/topical agents support 10-30%. Make sure your biologic or immunosuppressant therapy is clearly in your records.
⚠Not counting your daily diarrhea episodes — the rating steps on how many episodes of diarrhea you have per day (3 or fewer, 4 to 5, or 6 or more).
⚠Not documenting signs of toxicity (fever, rapid heart rate, or anemia) and any hospitalizations — a hospitalization at least once a year plus inability to work (or severe daily symptoms) supports the 100% level.
⚠Missing secondary conditions: fistulas, anal fissures, joint pain (arthritis), skin and eye conditions, and depression are common with Crohn's and may warrant separate ratings.
⚠If your claim was pending before May 19, 2024, make sure the VA considers both the new DC 7326 criteria and the old version, and applies whichever is more favorable.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Intestinal Conditions (Other Than Surgical or Infectious)

View evidence checklist →C&P exam prep guide →See secondary conditions →

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Crohn's Disease or rated under the same body system.

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

DC 7206·Digestive

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Hepatitis C

Hemorrhoids

Ulcerative Colitis

Hiatal Hernia

Liver Cirrhosis

Pancreatitis

Condition Rating Guides

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

Crohn's Disease

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7326

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Unresponsive to treatment
Hospitalization at least once per year
Inability to work, OR recurrent abdominal pain with 2+ of: 6+ diarrhea/day, 6+ rectal bleeding/day, recurrent incontinence, recurrent distension

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting your treatment type — under DC 7326 being managed with immunosuppressants or biologic agents supports a 60% rating, while oral/topical agents support 10-30%. Make sure your biologic or immunosuppressant therapy is clearly in your records.

⚠Not counting your daily diarrhea episodes — the rating steps on how many episodes of diarrhea you have per day (3 or fewer, 4 to 5, or 6 or more).

⚠Not documenting signs of toxicity (fever, rapid heart rate, or anemia) and any hospitalizations — a hospitalization at least once a year plus inability to work (or severe daily symptoms) supports the 100% level.

⚠Missing secondary conditions: fistulas, anal fissures, joint pain (arthritis), skin and eye conditions, and depression are common with Crohn's and may warrant separate ratings.

⚠If your claim was pending before May 19, 2024, make sure the VA considers both the new DC 7326 criteria and the old version, and applies whichever is more favorable.