Pancreatitis

DC 7347Digestive38 CFR 4.114, DC 7347

Ongoing inflammation of the pancreas that causes severe abdominal pain, digestive problems, and difficulty absorbing nutrients. The VA rates chronic pancreatitis based on how often you have attacks and whether you have ongoing pancreatic problems between attacks.

Rating Levels

You have frequent attacks of abdominal pain, loss of normal body weight, or other findings showing continuing pancreatic insufficiency between attacks.

What the VA looks for

Frequent attacks of abdominal pain
Documented weight loss
Continuing pancreatic insufficiency between attacks
Malabsorption or nutritional deficiencies on lab work
Ongoing enzyme supplementation with poor response

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting every pancreatitis attack with ER or hospital records — the rating depends on attack frequency per year.
⚠Not tracking weight loss and nutritional deficiencies between attacks, which support the 60% rating.
⚠Not documenting the need for pancreatic enzyme supplements (like Creon) as this supports even the minimum rating.
⚠Not connecting pancreatitis to alcohol use disorder or gallstone disease that may be service-connected.

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…