Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is rated under DC 7347 based on the frequency of pain episodes and the level of medical treatment required. Abdominal pain must be confirmed by diagnostic studies showing it is caused by the pancreatitis. Diabetes from pancreatic insufficiency may be claimed as a secondary condition.
VA Rating Levels
At least one episode per year of abdominal or mid-back pain requiring ongoing outpatient treatment for pain, digestive problems, or management of complications such as cysts, pseudocysts, intestinal obstruction, or ascites.
Three or more episodes of abdominal or mid-back pain per year, with at least one episode requiring hospitalization for management of complications or tube enteral feeding.
Daily episodes of abdominal or mid-back pain requiring three or more hospitalizations per year, physician-managed pain, and maldigestion/malabsorption requiring dietary restriction and pancreatic enzyme supplementation.
Exam Tips & Key Evidence
- →Your abdominal pain must be confirmed by diagnostic studies to show it is caused by the pancreatitis itself. Make sure you have imaging or lab results that establish this connection.
- →Diabetes caused by pancreatic insufficiency is a common secondary condition. If your pancreatitis has affected your blood sugar regulation, pursue that secondary claim.
- →Track every episode of pain, how long it lasted, and especially any hospitalizations. The number of hospital admissions per year is a major factor for higher ratings.
- →The base rating for pancreatitis starts at 30%. Even a single episode per year requiring ongoing outpatient treatment qualifies for this.
Commonly Related Conditions
38 CFR Reference
38 CFR 4.114, DC 7347