Peritoneal Tuberculosis

DC 7311Digestive38 CFR 4.114, DC 7311

Tuberculosis infection affecting the peritoneum (the membrane lining the abdominal cavity), which can cause abdominal pain, ascites (fluid buildup), bowel adhesions, and systemic illness. The VA rates peritoneal tuberculosis based on whether the disease is active, the residual effects after treatment, and any lasting damage to abdominal organs.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on the type, severity, and frequency of your symptoms. The examiner will evaluate your specific symptoms and how they affect your daily life and ability to work.

Diagnostic code

DC 7311

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.114, DC 7311. 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

Your peritoneal tuberculosis is active and progressive with severe systemic illness, massive ascites, bowel destruction, or fistulae unresponsive to treatment. You are unable to work and may require total parenteral nutrition.

What the VA looks for

Active progressive disease despite treatment
Massive ascites requiring frequent drainage
Bowel destruction or extensive fistulae
Total parenteral nutrition dependency
Inability to maintain substantially gainful employment

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the initial TB infection during service — peritoneal TB often develops years after initial exposure. Service treatment records showing TB exposure, positive PPD testing, or prophylactic treatment establish the in-service event.
⚠Not getting follow-up imaging to document adhesions — even after TB is cured, abdominal adhesions from peritoneal scarring can cause chronic pain and bowel dysfunction. CT scans showing adhesion-related changes support residual ratings.
⚠Not claiming residual conditions separately — bowel obstruction, malabsorption, chronic pain, and abdominal adhesions resulting from peritoneal TB may each warrant separate evaluation.
⚠Not tracking weight and nutritional status — serial weight measurements and lab work (albumin, prealbumin, vitamin levels) objectively document the nutritional impact of the condition.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Intestinal Conditions (Other Than Surgical or Infectious)
DBQ Infectious Diseases

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

Peritoneal Tuberculosis

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on the type, severity, and frequency of your symptoms. The examiner will evaluate your specific symptoms and how they affect your daily life and ability to work.

Diagnostic code

DC 7311

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Active progressive disease despite treatment
Massive ascites requiring frequent drainage
Bowel destruction or extensive fistulae
Total parenteral nutrition dependency
Inability to maintain substantially gainful employment

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the initial TB infection during service — peritoneal TB often develops years after initial exposure. Service treatment records showing TB exposure, positive PPD testing, or prophylactic treatment establish the in-service event.

⚠Not getting follow-up imaging to document adhesions — even after TB is cured, abdominal adhesions from peritoneal scarring can cause chronic pain and bowel dysfunction. CT scans showing adhesion-related changes support residual ratings.

⚠Not claiming residual conditions separately — bowel obstruction, malabsorption, chronic pain, and abdominal adhesions resulting from peritoneal TB may each warrant separate evaluation.

⚠Not tracking weight and nutritional status — serial weight measurements and lab work (albumin, prealbumin, vitamin levels) objectively document the nutritional impact of the condition.