Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (DC 7319) | VA Rating Tool
| Diagnostic Code | 7319 |
|---|---|
| Category | The Digestive System |
| Subcategory | The Digestive System |
| Also Known As | ibs, Irritable bowel syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), irritable bowel, stomach cramps, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, bowel problems |
| CFR Section | 4.110-4.114 |
📊 What Veterans Actually Get
IBS is most commonly rated at 10% (moderate, with frequent episodes of bowel disturbance and abdominal distress). The 30% rating requires severe IBS with diarrhea or alternating diarrhea and constipation with more or less constant abdominal distress.
Next Steps for This Condition
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 30% | Abdominal pain related to defecation at least one day per week during the previous three months; and two or more of the following: (1) change in stool frequency, (2) change in stool form, (3) altered stool passage (straining and/or urgency), (4) mucorrhea, (5) abdominal bloating, or (6) subjective distension |
| 20% | Abdominal pain related to defecation for at least three days per month during the previous three months; and two or more of the following: (1) change in stool frequency, (2) change in stool form, (3) altered stool passage (straining and/or urgency), (4) mucorrhea, (5) abdominal bloating, or (6) subjective distension |
| 10% | Abdominal pain related to defecation at least once during the previous three months; and two or more of the following: (1) change in stool frequency, (2) change in stool form, (3) altered stool passage (straining and/or urgency), (4) mucorrhea, (5) abdominal bloating, or (6) subjective distension |
Conditions Secondary to This
4 linksFear of episodes and unpredictability causes significant anxiety
Chronic GI distress and dietary restrictions lead to depression
Chronic bowel dysfunction can lead to hemorrhoids
GI conditions often co-occur — shared inflammatory mechanisms
This May Be Secondary To
6 linksFibromyalgia and IBS frequently co-occur — shared central sensitization
Anxiety directly affects gut motility through the gut-brain axis
Endometrial implants on the bowel and pelvic adhesions frequently cause IBS-like symptoms including bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal cramping.
Depression disrupts gut-brain axis function
Panic disorder and chronic anxiety worsen IBS through the gut-brain axis, increasing bowel motility and abdominal distress.
PTSD affects the gut-brain axis, disrupting normal bowel function. The stress response commonly manifests as GI symptoms.
Disclaimer: Secondary connections shown are based on commonly established medical links. Individual claims require medical evidence. Consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney.