Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth

DC 7319Digestive38 CFR 4.114, DC 7319

Too many bacteria growing in the small intestine, causing bloating, diarrhea, gas, abdominal pain, and poor nutrient absorption. It often develops after abdominal surgery, from medications, or alongside other GI conditions. The VA rates it based on symptom severity and how it affects your daily life.

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 7319

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.114, DC 7319. 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 SIBO with constant or near-constant GI symptoms despite repeated antibiotic treatment. You have malabsorption, nutritional deficiencies, and significant weight loss. This is the maximum rating under DC 7319.

What the VA looks for

Constant or near-constant GI symptoms despite treatment
Malabsorption documented on lab work
Nutritional deficiencies (B12, fat-soluble vitamins)
Significant weight loss
Multiple failed treatment courses documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a breath test to confirm the diagnosis — the VA needs objective evidence of SIBO, not just symptoms. A lactulose or glucose breath test is the standard diagnostic tool.
⚠Not documenting recurrence after treatment — SIBO often comes back after antibiotics. Each recurrence and retreatment should be documented to show the condition is chronic.
⚠Not connecting SIBO to an underlying service-connected condition — common links include IBS, abdominal surgery complications, GI motility disorders from medications, and TBI-related autonomic dysfunction.
⚠Not getting lab work showing malabsorption — vitamin B12, folate, iron, and fat-soluble vitamin levels demonstrate the nutritional impact and support a higher rating.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Intestinal Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7319

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Constant or near-constant GI symptoms despite treatment
Malabsorption documented on lab work
Nutritional deficiencies (B12, fat-soluble vitamins)
Significant weight loss
Multiple failed treatment courses documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a breath test to confirm the diagnosis — the VA needs objective evidence of SIBO, not just symptoms. A lactulose or glucose breath test is the standard diagnostic tool.

⚠Not documenting recurrence after treatment — SIBO often comes back after antibiotics. Each recurrence and retreatment should be documented to show the condition is chronic.

⚠Not connecting SIBO to an underlying service-connected condition — common links include IBS, abdominal surgery complications, GI motility disorders from medications, and TBI-related autonomic dysfunction.

⚠Not getting lab work showing malabsorption — vitamin B12, folate, iron, and fat-soluble vitamin levels demonstrate the nutritional impact and support a higher rating.