Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

DC 7319Digestive38 CFR 4.114, DC 7319

A common digestive disorder causing cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. The VA rates IBS based on how often you have episodes of bowel disturbance and how much they affect your daily life.

Rating Levels

You have severe IBS with diarrhea or alternating diarrhea and constipation, with more or less constant abdominal distress. This is the maximum rating for IBS.

What the VA looks for

Diarrhea or alternating diarrhea and constipation
More or less constant abdominal distress
Significant impact on daily activities and work
Frequent medical visits for management

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not keeping a symptom diary documenting frequency and severity of episodes — the rating depends on how often you have bowel disturbances.
⚠Not connecting IBS to mental health conditions like PTSD or anxiety as a secondary condition (the gut-brain connection is well established).
⚠Underreporting symptoms at the C&P exam because of embarrassment — describe your worst days honestly.
⚠Not documenting how IBS affects your work, such as needing frequent bathroom breaks or missing work during flare-ups.

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…