Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS is rated under DC 7319 based on the frequency of abdominal pain and the number of associated symptoms. This is a presumptive condition for veterans exposed to Gulf War environmental hazards and for former POWs held at least 30 days. Gulf War medically unexplained chronic multisymptom illness (MUCMI) gastrointestinal issues are also evaluated under this schedule or the gastrointestinal dysmotility syndrome schedule, whichever gives the higher rating.
VA Rating Levels
Abdominal pain related to bowel movements at least once during the last three months, plus two or more of the following: change in stool frequency, change in stool form, altered stool passage (straining or urgency), mucorrhea, abdominal bloating, or distension.
Abdominal pain related to bowel movements at least three days per month during the last three months, plus two or more of the associated symptoms listed above.
Abdominal pain related to bowel movements at least one day per week during the last three months, plus two or more of the associated symptoms listed above.
Exam Tips & Key Evidence
- →The frequency of your abdominal pain is what drives the rating. Keep a symptom diary tracking how often you experience pain and bowel issues, and bring it to your C&P exam.
- →IBS is a Gulf War presumptive condition. If you served in the Gulf War theater, service connection may be straightforward without needing to prove a direct cause.
- →Common secondary conditions include hemorrhoids and mental health conditions. If IBS is affecting your quality of life, consider whether a secondary mental health claim is appropriate.
- →You need at least two associated symptoms beyond pain. Make sure your doctor documents things like bloating, urgency, stool changes, and straining, not just the pain itself.
- →Under the updated schedule (May 2024), digestive conditions that were previously combined may now qualify for separate ratings. Check with your representative about whether your situation qualifies.
Commonly Related Conditions
38 CFR Reference
38 CFR 4.114, DC 7319