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.
Presumptive condition — Gulf War Illness - functional gastrointestinal disorders (38 CFR 3.317), Former Prisoners of War (38 CFR 3.309(c))
IBS and other functional gastrointestinal disorders are presumptive for veterans with qualifying service in the Southwest Asia theater (Gulf War) under 38 CFR 3.317 - no direct service link needs to be proven. IBS is also presumptive for former POWs interned 30 days or more.
How the VA rates it
The May 19, 2024 revision replaced the old mild/moderate/severe language with frequency-based tiers. Every tier requires abdominal pain related to defecation plus at least two supporting signs (change in stool frequency, change in stool form, straining or urgency, mucus in stool, bloating, or a feeling of distension); the percentage depends on how often the pain occurs over the previous three months. There is no 0 percent tier - the minimum compensable evaluation structure starts at 10 percent.
Rating criteria by percentage
Rated up to 30%Abdominal pain related to defecation at least one day per week during the previous three months, plus two or more of: change in stool frequency, change in stool form, straining or urgency, mucus in stool, bloating, or subjective distension.
Abdominal pain related to defecation at least three days per month during the previous three months, plus two or more of the supporting signs listed above.
Abdominal pain related to defecation at least once during the previous three months, plus two or more of the supporting signs listed above.
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.
- Hemorrhoids — Chronic diarrhea, constipation, and straining from IBS can cause or aggravate hemorrhoids.
This is often secondary to
If you already have one of these service-connected, it may support connecting this condition.
- PTSD — IBS is commonly claimed secondary to PTSD, anxiety, and depression through the gut-brain axis; medical literature supports the connection.
Evidence that strengthens this claim
- Keep a symptom log for at least three months showing how many days per week pain occurs with bowel movements - the difference between 10, 20, and 30 percent is purely frequency over the prior three months.
- Gulf War veterans: make sure your DD-214 shows Southwest Asia service and cite the 38 CFR 3.317 presumption - you do not need a nexus opinion.
- A formal IBS diagnosis (often a diagnosis of exclusion after colonoscopy or stool studies) carries more weight than self-reported symptoms alone.
- If claiming secondary to PTSD, a nexus opinion citing gut-brain axis research strengthens the claim.
Rating rules to know
IBS (DC 7319) is on the digestive no-combining list (DCs 7301-7329): VA rates the predominant digestive disability picture under a single code rather than combining intestinal ratings, elevating to the next higher level if overall severity warrants.
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%
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%
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.