Pancreatitis

DC 7347Digestive38 CFR 4.114, DC 7347

Ongoing inflammation of the pancreas that causes severe abdominal or mid-back pain, digestive problems, and difficulty absorbing nutrients. As of May 19, 2024, the VA rates chronic pancreatitis under DC 7347 based on how many pain episodes you have per year, whether they require outpatient treatment or hospitalization, and whether you have maldigestion/malabsorption needing enzyme supplements. The minimum compensable rating is 30% — there is no 10% level. For claims pending before May 19, 2024, the VA must apply whichever is more favorable: the new DC 7347 criteria or the old 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 7347

Rating range

30% – 100%

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 daily episodes of abdominal or mid-back pain requiring three or more hospitalizations per year, with pain managed by a physician, and maldigestion and malabsorption requiring dietary restriction and pancreatic enzyme supplementation.

What the VA looks for

Daily abdominal or mid-back pain
Three or more hospitalizations per year
Physician-directed pain management
Maldigestion/malabsorption with dietary restriction and enzyme supplementation

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting each pain episode with outpatient, ER, or hospital records — under DC 7347 the rating depends on how many abdominal/mid-back pain episodes you have per year and whether they require outpatient treatment (30%) or hospitalization (60%+).
⚠Assuming enzyme supplements alone give a low rating. There is no 10% level under DC 7347; the minimum compensable rating is 30% when you have at least one pain episode per year requiring ongoing outpatient treatment.
⚠Not documenting maldigestion/malabsorption, dietary restriction, and daily pain with frequent hospitalizations — the combination needed for the 100% level.
⚠Not connecting pancreatitis to alcohol use disorder or gallstone disease that may be service-connected. If pancreatic damage has caused diabetes, that is rated separately under DC 7913.
⚠If your claim was pending before May 19, 2024, make sure the VA considers both the new DC 7347 criteria and the old 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 Pancreatitis or rated under the same body system.

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

DC 7206·Digestive

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Hepatitis C

Crohn's Disease

Hemorrhoids

Ulcerative Colitis

Hiatal Hernia

Liver Cirrhosis

Condition Rating Guides

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

Pancreatitis

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7347

Rating range

30% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Daily abdominal or mid-back pain
Three or more hospitalizations per year
Physician-directed pain management
Maldigestion/malabsorption with dietary restriction and enzyme supplementation

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting each pain episode with outpatient, ER, or hospital records — under DC 7347 the rating depends on how many abdominal/mid-back pain episodes you have per year and whether they require outpatient treatment (30%) or hospitalization (60%+).

⚠Assuming enzyme supplements alone give a low rating. There is no 10% level under DC 7347; the minimum compensable rating is 30% when you have at least one pain episode per year requiring ongoing outpatient treatment.

⚠Not documenting maldigestion/malabsorption, dietary restriction, and daily pain with frequent hospitalizations — the combination needed for the 100% level.

⚠Not connecting pancreatitis to alcohol use disorder or gallstone disease that may be service-connected. If pancreatic damage has caused diabetes, that is rated separately under DC 7913.

⚠If your claim was pending before May 19, 2024, make sure the VA considers both the new DC 7347 criteria and the old version, and applies whichever is more favorable.