Whipple Procedure Residuals (Pancreaticoduodenectomy)

DC 7319Digestive38 CFR 4.114, DC 7319

Lasting effects after a Whipple procedure, a major surgery that removes the head of the pancreas, part of the small intestine, the gallbladder, and part of the bile duct. This surgery is usually done for pancreatic cancer or severe pancreatitis. Veterans often have lifelong digestive problems, weight loss, and diabetes after this surgery.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how much it affects your ability to work and carry out daily activities. The examiner will focus on the functional limitations your condition causes, not just the diagnosis itself.

Diagnostic code

DC 7319

Rating range

20% – 100%

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 total disability due to the Whipple procedure with severe malnutrition, uncontrolled diabetes, recurrent infections, or cancer recurrence requiring ongoing treatment.

What the VA looks for

Severe malnutrition despite treatment
Uncontrolled diabetes requiring intensive management
Recurrent infections or complications
Cancer recurrence if applicable
Inability to maintain employment

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not claiming diabetes separately — if the Whipple procedure caused diabetes by removing part of your pancreas, diabetes should be claimed as a secondary condition with its own rating.
⚠Not documenting all digestive symptoms including steatorrhea (fatty stools), diarrhea frequency, and bloating — these symptoms directly support a higher rating.
⚠Not tracking weight loss over time with regular weigh-ins — marked weight loss is a key criterion for the 60% and 100% ratings.
⚠Not connecting the original condition requiring the Whipple procedure to military service — if the cancer or pancreatitis was caused by service-connected exposures, the surgical residuals should also 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…

Whipple Procedure Residuals (Pancreaticoduodenectomy)

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7319

Rating range

20% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have total disability due to the Whipple procedure with severe malnutrition, uncontrolled diabetes, recurrent infections, or cancer recurrence requiring ongoing treatment.

What the VA looks for

Severe malnutrition despite treatment
Uncontrolled diabetes requiring intensive management
Recurrent infections or complications
Cancer recurrence if applicable
Inability to maintain employment

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not claiming diabetes separately — if the Whipple procedure caused diabetes by removing part of your pancreas, diabetes should be claimed as a secondary condition with its own rating.

⚠Not documenting all digestive symptoms including steatorrhea (fatty stools), diarrhea frequency, and bloating — these symptoms directly support a higher rating.

⚠Not tracking weight loss over time with regular weigh-ins — marked weight loss is a key criterion for the 60% and 100% ratings.

⚠Not connecting the original condition requiring the Whipple procedure to military service — if the cancer or pancreatitis was caused by service-connected exposures, the surgical residuals should also be service-connected.