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.
How the VA rates it
The May 19, 2024 revision retitled DC 7314 from 'cholecystitis, chronic' to 'chronic biliary tract disease,' covering cholangitis, biliary strictures, Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, bile duct injury, and choledochal cysts. Gallstones (cholelithiasis, DC 7315) are rated under the same criteria. Ratings count clinically documented attacks of right-upper-quadrant pain with nausea and vomiting in the past 12 months, or biliary stricture dilations. If your gallbladder has been removed and you still have symptoms, residuals are rated under DC 7318 (cholecystectomy complications, 0-30 percent based on abdominal pain and watery bowel movement frequency).
Rating criteria by percentage
Rated up to 30%Three or more clinically documented attacks of right-upper-quadrant pain with nausea and vomiting during the past 12 months; or biliary tract strictures requiring dilation at least once during the past 12 months.
One or two clinically documented attacks of right-upper-quadrant pain with nausea and vomiting in the past 12 months.
Asymptomatic, with no clinically documented attack in the past 12 months.
What those terms mean
- stricture
- — A narrowing of the esophagus that makes food hard to swallow. Documented strictures are what drive the higher GERD ratings.
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.
- Post-cholecystectomy syndrome — Ongoing pain and chronic diarrhea after gallbladder removal are rated under DC 7318 (up to 30 percent).
Evidence that strengthens this claim
- The criteria require 'clinically documented' attacks - go to urgent care or your provider during attacks so each one lands in your medical records with a date.
- An ultrasound or HIDA scan confirming gallstones or biliary disease anchors the diagnosis.
- If you had a cholecystectomy and still have daily watery stools and pain, claim residuals under DC 7318 - three or more watery bowel movements a day with recurrent pain supports 30 percent.
Rating rules to know
DC 7314 is on the digestive no-combining list: VA assigns a single rating for the predominant digestive disability picture rather than combining biliary and intestinal codes.
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%
Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is inflammation or infection of small pouches (diverticula) in the colon wall, causing attacks of abdominal pain, fever, and elevated white counts. Since May 2024, DC 7327 has its own criteria rated 0, 20, or 30 percent based on hospitalizations and complications.
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.