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Evidence checklist

Cholecystitis

DC 731438 CFR § 4.114Digestive

Evidence strength

Mark what you already have below and your evidence strength appears here.

Target
Saved locally
01

Specialist opinion

Highest value0 of 3 collected
Abdominal ultrasound showing gallstones, wall thickening, or pericholecystic fluidCritical

Ultrasound report documenting cholelithiasis, gallbladder wall thickening (>3 mm), pericholecystic fluid, or positive sonographic Murphy's sign consistent with cholecystitis.

Private provider · independent opinion
HIDA scan (hepatobiliary scintigraphy) documenting gallbladder function

HIDA scan results showing gallbladder ejection fraction — a low ejection fraction (<35%) confirms chronic cholecystitis (biliary dyskinesia), especially when ultrasound is inconclusive.

Private provider · independent opinion
Nexus opinion linking cholecystitis to service ("at least as likely as not")Critical

A medical opinion connecting cholecystitis to service-related factors including rapid weight changes during service, high-fat military diet, or service-connected metabolic conditions.

Private provider · independent opinion
02

Treatment records

0 of 2 collected
Labs during acute episodes (WBC, bilirubin, liver function, lipase)

Lab results from acute cholecystitis episodes showing leukocytosis, elevated bilirubin (if common duct involved), and liver enzyme elevation consistent with biliary inflammation.

VA or private records · written request
Treatment records (hospitalization, cholecystectomy, ERCP)

Records documenting antibiotic treatment, laparoscopic or open cholecystectomy, ERCP for choledocholithiasis, and post-operative course.

VA or private records · written request
03

Lay statements

0 of 3 collected
Documentation of clinically confirmed attacks over the past 12 monthsCritical

Medical records documenting each clinically confirmed attack of right upper quadrant pain with nausea and vomiting over the past 12 months, plus any biliary-stricture dilation — under DC 7314 the number of documented attacks (1-2 = 10%, 3 or more = 30%) sets the rating.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
Buddy statement from spouse, family, or fellow service member

A written statement from someone who can describe observable symptoms and how your condition affects daily life.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
Personal statement describing symptoms and functional impact

Your own written account of how this condition affects your daily activities, work, and relationships. Describe your worst days.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
04

Benefits questionnaire

0 of 1 collected
Completed DBQ Gallbladder and Pancreas ConditionsCritical

Standardized form capturing cholecystitis diagnosis, imaging results, treatment history, and functional impact.

Provider-completed · VA DBQ formHow to get this →
05

Service records

0 of 1 collected
Service treatment records (STRs)Critical

Military medical records showing in-service treatment, complaints, or injuries related to this condition.

NPRC / milConnect · SF-180
Condition guideRating criteria and what VA looks forBuddy statement builderGuided VA Form 21-10210

What you mark here is saved in this browser, on this device only — not to an account. Changing the target rating shows different items, but never loses what you have already marked.