Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

DC 7319Digestive38 CFR 4.114, DC 7319

A common digestive disorder causing cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. As of May 19, 2024, the VA rates IBS under DC 7319 based on how often you have abdominal pain related to bowel movements (once in three months, several days a month, or weekly), together with associated symptoms such as changes in stool, straining or urgency, mucus, bloating, or a sense of distension. For claims pending before May 19, 2024, the VA must apply whichever is more favorable: the new DC 7319 criteria or the old "mild/moderate/severe" 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 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 abdominal pain related to bowel movements at least one day per week over the previous three months, plus two or more of the same associated symptoms. This is the maximum schedular rating for IBS.

What the VA looks for

Abdominal pain related to bowel movements at least 1 day per week (past 3 months)
Two or more associated symptoms
Symptom diary and treatment records showing weekly pain and impact on daily life

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not tracking how often your abdominal pain is tied to bowel movements. Under DC 7319 (effective May 19, 2024), the rating is set by how many days you have defecation-related abdominal pain — once in three months (10%), at least three days a month (20%), or at least one day a week (30%) — plus two or more associated symptoms.
⚠Not documenting the associated symptoms — a change in stool frequency or form, straining or urgency, mucus, bloating, or distension. You need at least two of these along with the pain.
⚠Not connecting IBS to mental health conditions like PTSD or anxiety as a secondary condition (the gut-brain connection is well established). IBS is also a presumptive condition for Gulf War veterans under 38 CFR 3.317.
⚠Underreporting symptoms at the C&P exam because of embarrassment — describe your worst days and how often the pain occurs honestly.
⚠If your claim was pending before May 19, 2024, make sure the VA considers both the new DC 7319 criteria and the old "mild/moderate/severe" 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 Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or rated under the same body system.

Fibromyalgia

DC 5025·Musculoskeletal·Related primary

Endometriosis

DC 7629·Gynecological/Breast·Related primary

Gulf War Illness (Undiagnosed Illness)

DC 6354·Infectious Diseases·Related primary

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

Hepatitis C

Crohn's Disease

Hemorrhoids

Ulcerative Colitis

Condition Rating Guides

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

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7319

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Abdominal pain related to bowel movements at least 1 day per week (past 3 months)
Two or more associated symptoms
Symptom diary and treatment records showing weekly pain and impact on daily life

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not tracking how often your abdominal pain is tied to bowel movements. Under DC 7319 (effective May 19, 2024), the rating is set by how many days you have defecation-related abdominal pain — once in three months (10%), at least three days a month (20%), or at least one day a week (30%) — plus two or more associated symptoms.

⚠Not documenting the associated symptoms — a change in stool frequency or form, straining or urgency, mucus, bloating, or distension. You need at least two of these along with the pain.

⚠Not connecting IBS to mental health conditions like PTSD or anxiety as a secondary condition (the gut-brain connection is well established). IBS is also a presumptive condition for Gulf War veterans under 38 CFR 3.317.

⚠Underreporting symptoms at the C&P exam because of embarrassment — describe your worst days and how often the pain occurs honestly.

⚠If your claim was pending before May 19, 2024, make sure the VA considers both the new DC 7319 criteria and the old "mild/moderate/severe" version, and applies whichever is more favorable.