VA Rating Criteria for Digestive Conditions Explained

When VA grants service connection for a digestive condition, it assigns a disability rating considering the severity, frequency, and intensity of symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or weight loss; the impact these symptoms have on your daily life; and whether the condition leads to complications, like ulcers, bleeding, or scar tissue. These ratings determine a veteran’s monthly compensation and eligibility for additional benefits. Because digestive conditions often fluctuate or worsen over time, it is essential that a veteran’s claim or appeal clearly documents the full extent of their symptoms.

  • VA rates digestive conditions under 38 C.F.R. § 4.114, considering the severity, frequency, and intensity of symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and weight loss. There is an array of ratings depending on the specifically diagnosed condition.

  • A veteran’s C&P exam, treatment notes, and lay statements are all critical forms of evidence when seeking higher ratings for digestive conditions or related disorders.

  • Veterans with severe digestive conditions may qualify for additional benefits, including Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU), or Special Monthly Compensation (SMC).

Bottom Line Up Front:

How Does VA Assign Ratings for Digestive Conditions?

VA evaluates digestive conditions using a combination of objective medical testing and documented symptoms.

The most common evidence sources include:

  • The examiners consider information like medication taken, abdominal pain/abnormalities, changes in stool, whether surgery has been required, and other symptoms/treatments. The examiners also consider whether a physician has prescribed regulation of activities, meaning avoidance of strenuous occupational or recreational activity.

  • VA examiners complete either an Intestinal Conditions Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) or Esophageal Conditions DBQ to standardize the evaluation, whichever is most applicable.

C&P Exams and Medical Records

  • The presentation of symptoms (frequency, severity, descriptions)

  • Whether symptoms limit exertion, exercise, or work

  • The impact on ability to function through everyday activities

Lay statements can be extremely useful in digestive condition claims. Veterans and witnesses can describe:

Lay Evidence

Digestive symptoms fluctuate, and a specific C&P exam might not fully reflect a veteran’s profile of symptoms. Lay testimony can help bridge any gaps.

Records may include:

Private Medical Records

  • Evidence of treatment/symptom management

  • Evidence of a diagnosis if VA cannot provide one

Examples of Common Digestive Conditions and Their VA Ratings

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) - 38 C.F.R. § 4.114 Diagnostic Code 7206

  • Aspiration;

  • Undernutrition; and/or

  • Substantial weight loss (as defined by the regulations) and treatment with either surgical correction of esophageal stricture(s) or percutaneous esophago-gastrointestinal tube (PEG tube).

  • 80% Rating (Maximum rating) - History of recurrent or refractory esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia with at least one of the symptoms present:

  • 50% Rating - History of recurrent or refractory esophageal structures causing dysphagia which requires at least 1 of the following:

  • Dilation 3 or more times per year; or

  • Dilation using steroids at least once per year; or

  • Esophageal stent placement.

  • 30% Rating - Veteran has a documented history of recurrent esophageal structures causing dysphagia which requires dilation no more than 2 times per year.

  • 10% Rating - Veteran has a history of esophageal structure(s) that require daily medications to control dysphagia, but is otherwise asymptomatic.

  • Ø% (zero) Rating - Veteran has a history of GERD, but no daily symptoms or medications required.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - 38 C.F.R. § 4.114 Diagnostic Code 7319

  • Change in stool frequency;

  • Change in stool form;

  • Altered stool passage (straining and/or urgency);

  • Mucorrhea;

  • Abdominal bloating; or

  • Subjective distension.

  • 30% Rating (Maximum rating) - Abdominal pain related to defecation at least one day per week during the previous three months; and two or more of the following:

  • 20% Rating - Abdominal pain related to defecation for at least three days per month during the previous three months; and two or more of the following:

  • Change in stool frequency;

  • Change in stool form;

  • Altered stool passage (straining and/or urgency);

  • Mucorrhea;

  • Abdominal bloating; or

  • Subjective distension.

  • 10% Rating - Abdominal pain related to defecation at least once during the past 3 months; and 2 or more of the following symptoms:

  • Change in stool frequency;

  • Change in stool form;

  • Altered stool passage (straining and/or urgency);

  • Mucorrhea;

  • Abdominal bloating; or

  • Subjective distension.

How to Appeal or Increase a VA Digestive Condition Rating

Veterans may want to appeal or request an increase if:

  • VA denied service connection

  • VA underrated their condition

  • Symptoms have worsened over time

Appeals can be filed through:

  • Higher-Level Review

  • Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence

  • Board Appeal

Because digestive ratings rely heavily on technical medical data, many veterans benefit from professional representation during appeals.

Denied or Underrated for a Digestive Condition? Call Greene & Marusak LLC

Digestive claims are complex and often require detailed medical evidence, expert opinions, and strategic argument. If VA denied or underrated your digestive condition, Greene & Marusak LLC can help.

Contact us for a free case evaluation today to speak with an experienced VA-accredited claims agent or attorney!