Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can affect any part of the GI tract, causing abdominal pain, diarrhea, bleeding, and systemic symptoms. It is rated 10 to 100 percent under DC 7326 based on symptom severity, daily episode counts, treatment intensity, and signs of systemic toxicity.
How the VA rates it
Since May 19, 2024, DC 7326 covers Crohn's disease and undifferentiated inflammatory bowel disease, and ulcerative colitis (DC 7323) is rated under the same criteria. Tiers turn on daily diarrhea/bleeding episode counts, whether treatment is basic oral/topical agents versus immunosuppressants or biologics, signs of toxicity (fever, rapid heart rate, anemia), hospitalizations, and ability to work. VA requires the diagnosis to be confirmed by endoscopy or radiologic studies.
Rating criteria by percentage
Rated up to 100%Severe IBD unresponsive to treatment, requiring hospitalization at least once per year, and resulting in either inability to work or recurrent abdominal pain with at least two of: six or more daily episodes of diarrhea, six or more daily episodes of rectal bleeding, recurrent rectal incontinence, or recurrent abdominal distension.
Moderate IBD managed on an outpatient basis with immunosuppressants or biologic agents, with recurrent abdominal pain, four to five daily episodes of diarrhea, and intermittent signs of toxicity such as fever, rapid heart rate, or anemia.
Mild to moderate IBD managed with oral and topical agents (not immunosuppressants or biologics), with recurrent abdominal pain, three or fewer daily episodes of diarrhea, and minimal signs of toxicity.
Minimal to mild symptomatic IBD managed with oral or topical agents, with recurrent abdominal pain, three or fewer daily episodes of diarrhea, and no signs of systemic toxicity.
Secondary condition strategy
Commonly claimed secondary to this
Conditions veterans often develop from this one — each can be its own rating under 38 CFR 3.310.
- Anemia — Chronic intestinal bleeding and malabsorption from Crohn's commonly cause anemia.
- Anal fistulas and abscesses — Perianal fistulizing disease is a common Crohn's complication, ratable under DC 7335 up to 60 percent.
Evidence that strengthens this claim
- Endoscopy or radiologic confirmation of the diagnosis is mandatory under the rating note - make sure a colonoscopy/imaging report is in your file.
- Your medication class matters: being on a biologic or immunosuppressant (e.g., Humira, Remicade, azathioprine) is a threshold element of the 60 percent level - submit pharmacy records.
- Document daily episode counts of diarrhea and bleeding during flares, plus any fevers, tachycardia, or anemia labs.
- If you have had bowel resection or an ostomy, VA must rate under DC 7326 or the resection codes (7328/7329), whichever pays more - check the alternative.
Rating rules to know
DC 7326 is on the digestive no-combining list: one rating is assigned for the predominant digestive picture. After colectomy/colostomy with persistent symptoms, VA rates under DC 7326 or DC 7329, whichever is higher.
Related diagnostic codes
More digestive conditions
GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
GERD is chronic acid reflux from the stomach into the esophagus, causing heartburn, regurgitation, and sometimes difficulty swallowing. Since May 19, 2024 it has its own diagnostic code (7206) and is rated on esophageal stricture criteria - how badly documented narrowing of the esophagus affects swallowing and what treatment it requires.
Rated up to 80%
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS is a functional bowel disorder causing abdominal pain tied to bowel movements, with diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or urgency. Since the May 2024 revision it is rated 10, 20, or 30 percent based on how often pain related to defecation occurs.
Rated up to 30%
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum or anus that can bleed, prolapse, or form painful clots (thrombosis). Under the May 2024 criteria they are rated 10 or 20 percent based on bleeding with anemia, prolapse, and how many thrombosis episodes occur per year.
Rated up to 20%
Inguinal Hernia
An inguinal hernia is tissue bulging through a weak spot in the groin wall. Since May 2024, DC 7338 covers all abdominal wall hernias (inguinal, femoral, umbilical, ventral, incisional - but not hiatal) and rates 0 to 100 percent based on whether the hernia is irreparable, its size, and pain during daily activities.
Rated up to 100%
Peptic Ulcer Disease
Peptic ulcer disease is open sores in the stomach or duodenum causing abdominal pain, nausea, and sometimes bleeding. The May 2024 revision consolidated the old separate gastric, duodenal, and marginal ulcer codes into a single DC 7304 rated on episode frequency, bleeding, and hospitalization.
Rated up to 100%
Gallbladder Disease (Chronic Biliary Tract Disease)
Chronic gallbladder and biliary tract disease causes recurring attacks of right-upper-abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting. Since May 2024, DC 7314 covers chronic biliary tract disease broadly and rates 0, 10, or 30 percent based on documented attack frequency over the past 12 months.
Rated up to 30%
Disclaimer: Valor Rating is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Always review your documents carefully before submitting to the VA. For official guidance, consult an accredited VSO, claims agent, or attorney.