Gallbladder Removal Residuals (Post-Cholecystectomy Syndrome)

DC 7318Digestive38 CFR 4.114, DC 7318

Ongoing digestive symptoms after gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy), including diarrhea and abdominal pain from bile flowing directly into the intestines. As of May 19, 2024, the VA rates these residuals under DC 7318 based on abdominal pain (intermittent vs. recurrent) combined with how many watery bowel movements you have per day. For claims pending before May 19, 2024, the VA must apply whichever is more favorable: the new DC 7318 criteria or the old version.

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 7318

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.114, DC 7318. 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 recurrent abdominal pain — after meals (post-prandial) or at night (nocturnal) — and chronic diarrhea of three or more watery bowel movements per day. This is the maximum rating for this condition.

What the VA looks for

Recurrent abdominal pain, after meals or at night
Three or more watery bowel movements per day (chronic)
A symptom/stool diary and treatment records
Impact on daily activities and work documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not tracking your watery bowel movements per day and when your abdominal pain occurs — under DC 7318 the rating depends on the daily count of watery stools (1-2 = 10%, 3 or more = 30%) plus whether the pain is intermittent or recurrent (after meals or at night).
⚠Not connecting gallbladder removal during service to current digestive issues — the surgical records and timeline must be clearly established.
⚠Not filing for post-cholecystectomy syndrome as distinct from the original gallstone condition — the residual symptoms are a separate ratable disability.
⚠If your claim was pending before May 19, 2024, make sure the VA considers both the new DC 7318 criteria and the old version, and applies whichever is more favorable.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Gallbladder and Pancreas Conditions

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

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Gallbladder Removal Residuals (Post-Cholecystectomy Syndrome) 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…

Gallbladder Removal Residuals (Post-Cholecystectomy Syndrome)

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7318

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Recurrent abdominal pain, after meals or at night
Three or more watery bowel movements per day (chronic)
A symptom/stool diary and treatment records
Impact on daily activities and work documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not tracking your watery bowel movements per day and when your abdominal pain occurs — under DC 7318 the rating depends on the daily count of watery stools (1-2 = 10%, 3 or more = 30%) plus whether the pain is intermittent or recurrent (after meals or at night).

⚠Not connecting gallbladder removal during service to current digestive issues — the surgical records and timeline must be clearly established.

⚠Not filing for post-cholecystectomy syndrome as distinct from the original gallstone condition — the residual symptoms are a separate ratable disability.

⚠If your claim was pending before May 19, 2024, make sure the VA considers both the new DC 7318 criteria and the old version, and applies whichever is more favorable.