Intestinal Malabsorption Syndrome

DC 7319Digestive38 CFR 4.114, DC 7319

A condition where the small intestine cannot properly absorb nutrients from food. This can cause diarrhea, weight loss, fatigue, and vitamin deficiencies. Common causes include damage from infections, surgery, radiation, or autoimmune conditions. The VA rates malabsorption based on the severity of symptoms and impact on nutrition.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how much it affects your ability to work and carry out daily activities. The examiner will focus on the functional limitations your condition causes, not just the diagnosis itself.

Diagnostic code

DC 7319

Rating range

10% – 60%

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 severe malabsorption with constant diarrhea, marked malnutrition, significant weight loss, anemia, and multiple vitamin deficiencies despite treatment.

What the VA looks for

Constant diarrhea or steatorrhea
Marked malnutrition (low albumin, prealbumin)
Significant weight loss (BMI decline)
Anemia and multiple vitamin deficiencies
Parenteral nutrition or specialized feeding if needed
Significant impact on employment

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting comprehensive lab work including fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), B12, folate, iron, calcium, and albumin — documented deficiencies are the strongest evidence of malabsorption.
⚠Not tracking weight over time with regular weigh-ins — a pattern of weight loss despite adequate caloric intake is key evidence for the rating.
⚠Not documenting steatorrhea (fatty, foul-smelling stools) — this is a hallmark symptom of malabsorption that should be reported to your doctor and at the C&P exam.
⚠Not connecting malabsorption to in-service causes such as intestinal infections during deployment, surgical complications, or radiation exposure — establishing the service connection requires a clear nexus to military service.

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…

Intestinal Malabsorption Syndrome

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7319

Rating range

10% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have severe malabsorption with constant diarrhea, marked malnutrition, significant weight loss, anemia, and multiple vitamin deficiencies despite treatment.

What the VA looks for

Constant diarrhea or steatorrhea
Marked malnutrition (low albumin, prealbumin)
Significant weight loss (BMI decline)
Anemia and multiple vitamin deficiencies
Parenteral nutrition or specialized feeding if needed
Significant impact on employment

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting comprehensive lab work including fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), B12, folate, iron, calcium, and albumin — documented deficiencies are the strongest evidence of malabsorption.

⚠Not tracking weight over time with regular weigh-ins — a pattern of weight loss despite adequate caloric intake is key evidence for the rating.

⚠Not documenting steatorrhea (fatty, foul-smelling stools) — this is a hallmark symptom of malabsorption that should be reported to your doctor and at the C&P exam.

⚠Not connecting malabsorption to in-service causes such as intestinal infections during deployment, surgical complications, or radiation exposure — establishing the service connection requires a clear nexus to military service.