Microscopic Colitis

DC 7323Digestive38 CFR 4.114, DC 7323

An inflammatory condition of the colon that can only be diagnosed through microscopic examination of colon tissue biopsies. Causes chronic watery diarrhea. The VA rates microscopic colitis under the ulcerative colitis criteria based on the frequency and severity of symptoms.

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 7323

Rating range

10% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.114, DC 7323. 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 microscopic colitis with numerous attacks per year causing marked malnutrition and impaired health, with anemia or other systemic symptoms.

What the VA looks for

Numerous attacks per year documented
Marked malnutrition or significant weight loss
Anemia on lab work
Health only fair during remissions
Significant impact on employment
Dehydration episodes documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting colon biopsies during colonoscopy — microscopic colitis can only be diagnosed through tissue samples because the colon looks normal to the naked eye, so biopsies must be specifically requested.
⚠Not tracking the frequency and volume of watery diarrhea episodes — the rating depends on how often exacerbations occur and their impact on your health.
⚠Not documenting medication side effects — many veterans cycle through multiple medications for microscopic colitis, and each medication trial and its side effects should be recorded.
⚠Not connecting microscopic colitis to medications taken during service — NSAIDs, SSRIs, and PPIs are known triggers, and a nexus to in-service medication use can support a secondary service connection claim.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Intestinal Conditions (Other Than Surgical or Infectious)

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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Microscopic Colitis

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7323

Rating range

10% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have severe microscopic colitis with numerous attacks per year causing marked malnutrition and impaired health, with anemia or other systemic symptoms.

What the VA looks for

Numerous attacks per year documented
Marked malnutrition or significant weight loss
Anemia on lab work
Health only fair during remissions
Significant impact on employment
Dehydration episodes documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting colon biopsies during colonoscopy — microscopic colitis can only be diagnosed through tissue samples because the colon looks normal to the naked eye, so biopsies must be specifically requested.

⚠Not tracking the frequency and volume of watery diarrhea episodes — the rating depends on how often exacerbations occur and their impact on your health.

⚠Not documenting medication side effects — many veterans cycle through multiple medications for microscopic colitis, and each medication trial and its side effects should be recorded.

⚠Not connecting microscopic colitis to medications taken during service — NSAIDs, SSRIs, and PPIs are known triggers, and a nexus to in-service medication use can support a secondary service connection claim.