Claiming Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
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VA Rating Tiers
30%
Severe: diarrhea or alternating diarrhea/constipation with more or less constant abdominal distress
10%
Moderate: disturbances of bowel function with occasional incapacitating episodes
0%
Mild symptoms — service connected but non-compensable
Rating Notes
- ›30%: Severe — diarrhea or alternating diarrhea/constipation with more or less constant abdominal distress. DC 7319.
- ›10%: Moderate — disturbances of bowel function with occasional incapacitating episodes. DC 7319.
- ›0%: Mild symptoms below compensable threshold — service connected but non-compensable.
- ›DC 7319 (Irritable Colon Syndrome) is the proper rating code for IBS.
- ›Valid VA percentages under DC 7319: 0, 10, 30 only — there is no 20% rating for this code.
- ›The maximum rating is 30% for IBS alone, but secondary conditions increase the combined rating.
- ›Secondary to PTSD is highly accepted — VA recognizes the gut-brain axis connection.
- ›Deployment-related GI infections causing post-infectious IBS are a valid direct service connection pathway.
Eligibility Basics
✅
Current symptoms
✅
In-service event
✅
Diagnosis or lay evidence
- •IBS is rated under DC 7319 (Irritable Colon Syndrome) based on symptom severity.
- •Secondary to PTSD is one of the most common and well-supported pathways — the gut-brain connection is well-documented.
- •Direct service connection is also possible — document GI complaints, food/water exposure during deployment, or onset during service.
- •A nexus letter from a gastroenterologist or primary care provider is highly recommended for secondary claims.
- •Deployment to areas with contaminated water or food may support direct service connection (post-infectious IBS).
Evidence to Gather
Service Records
- •sick call records for stomach cramps, diarrhea, or bowel complaints
- •records of GI illness or gastroenteritis during deployment
- •pharmacy records showing antidiarrheal or antispasmodic medications during service
Medical Evidence
- •gastroenterology records documenting IBS diagnosis
- •primary care records noting chronic GI complaints
- •colonoscopy or imaging results (often normal in IBS — supports functional diagnosis)
- •food intolerance or allergy testing results
Lay Evidence (Buddy Statements)
- •statement describing onset of bowel symptoms during or after service
- •statement connecting PTSD, anxiety, or deployment conditions to IBS
- •buddy statement noting GI complaints during service
Diagnostic Tests
- •colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy (to rule out structural disease)
- •stool studies (to rule out infection or inflammatory bowel disease)
- •food sensitivity testing
- •Rome IV criteria-based clinical diagnosis
- •breath testing for SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)
C&P Exam Preparation
Exam type: Gastroenterology / Internal Medicine
Be ready to describe
- •how often you have flare-ups and what triggers them
- •your typical bowel pattern (diarrhea, constipation, or both)
- •level of abdominal pain or cramping
- •how IBS limits daily activities, work, and social life
- •connection to PTSD, stress, or deployment exposures
Prep notes
- •Bring GI records, colonoscopy reports, and prescription history.
- •Describe urgency and unpredictability — these highlight real-world functional impact.
- •If secondary to PTSD, bring your PTSD rating decision or nexus documentation.
- •A nexus letter from a gastroenterologist connecting IBS to PTSD significantly strengthens the claim.
- •Be honest about how IBS affects work and social life — embarrassment about symptoms is normal, but the examiner needs the full picture.
Quick Facts
- Diagnostic Code
- DC 7319
- Category
- Digestive
- Subcategory
- Gastrointestinal
- Typical Claim Type
- secondary
- Rating Range
- 0% – 30%
Also Known As
IBSirritable bowel syndromeirritable colonspastic colonbowel dysfunctionchronic diarrheachronic constipationfunctional bowel disorder
Related Conditions
Secondary to
Commonly leads to
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