Pancreatic Insufficiency (Exocrine)

DC 7347Digestive38 CFR 4.114, DC 7347

A condition where the pancreas does not produce enough digestive enzymes to properly break down food, causing diarrhea, fatty stools, gas, bloating, and weight loss. Common causes include chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, and pancreatic surgery. The VA rates this under the pancreatitis criteria based on symptom severity.

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 7347

Rating range

10% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.114, DC 7347. 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 pancreatic insufficiency with frequent episodes of abdominal pain, marked weight loss, and continuing malabsorption despite maximum enzyme supplementation.

What the VA looks for

Frequent abdominal pain episodes
Marked weight loss documented
Continuing malabsorption despite maximum enzyme doses
Nutritional deficiencies on lab work
Significant impact on employment and daily activities

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a fecal elastase test — this is the standard diagnostic test for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and provides objective evidence of the condition.
⚠Not documenting enzyme supplementation dosing and adjustments — the need for increasing doses shows the condition is worsening and supports a higher rating.
⚠Not tracking weight loss and nutritional deficiencies over time — documented malnutrition despite treatment is key evidence for the 60% rating.
⚠Not connecting pancreatic insufficiency to the underlying cause — if chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic surgery, or a toxic exposure during service caused the insufficiency, establish that connection for service connection.

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…

Pancreatic Insufficiency (Exocrine)

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7347

Rating range

10% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have severe pancreatic insufficiency with frequent episodes of abdominal pain, marked weight loss, and continuing malabsorption despite maximum enzyme supplementation.

What the VA looks for

Frequent abdominal pain episodes
Marked weight loss documented
Continuing malabsorption despite maximum enzyme doses
Nutritional deficiencies on lab work
Significant impact on employment and daily activities

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a fecal elastase test — this is the standard diagnostic test for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and provides objective evidence of the condition.

⚠Not documenting enzyme supplementation dosing and adjustments — the need for increasing doses shows the condition is worsening and supports a higher rating.

⚠Not tracking weight loss and nutritional deficiencies over time — documented malnutrition despite treatment is key evidence for the 60% rating.

⚠Not connecting pancreatic insufficiency to the underlying cause — if chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic surgery, or a toxic exposure during service caused the insufficiency, establish that connection for service connection.