Diagnostic code 7319

How the VA Rates Irritable Bowel Syndrome

The plain-English version of the 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7319 (as revised by 89 FR 19743, Mar. 20, 2024) criteria a VA rater evaluates Irritable Bowel Syndrome against, with the 2026 monthly rate at each level. A reference to what the regulation describes — never a prediction of any rating.

Check your symptoms All rating criteria

38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7319 (as revised by 89 FR 19743, Mar. 20, 2024)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome · 4 levels

30%$552.47a month
20%$356.66a month
10%$180.42a month
0%$0 · still service-connected

2026 VA rates (effective December 1, 2025), veteran alone, as the only rated condition. VA decides the level.

Key facts

Regulation: 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7319 (as revised by 89 FR 19743, Mar. 20, 2024)
Diagnostic code: 7319
Levels in the schedule: 0% · 10% · 20% · 30%
Top level (30%) pays: $552.47/month2026, veteran alone

The rating levels

Criteria paraphrased from 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7319 (as revised by 89 FR 19743, Mar. 20, 2024) for readability. Monthly amounts are the 2026 rate (effective December 1, 2025) for a veteran with no dependents if this were the only rated condition — dependents add more, and multiple conditions combine under the VA’s own math.

30%
$552.47/month
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. 30% is the maximum schedular rating under DC 7319.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Abdominal pain related to bowel movements at least 1 day a week for the last 3 months
- Plus two or more of the listed bowel symptoms
20%
$356.66/month
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.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Abdominal pain related to bowel movements at least 3 days a month for the last 3 months
- Plus two or more of the listed bowel symptoms
10%
$180.42/month
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.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Abdominal pain related to bowel movements at least once in the last 3 months
- Plus two or more: change in stool frequency or form, straining/urgency, mucus, bloating, or distension
0%
$0/month (0% is still service-connected)
The requirements for 10% are not met (no 0% level is written for DC 7319; § 4.31 assigns 0% when a compensable evaluation's requirements are not met).
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Diagnosed IBS without the pain-plus-symptom pattern required for 10%

The listed symptoms are examples that appear in each level’s criteria — not a checklist that earns a percentage. Raters apply the criteria as a whole.

The evidence that matters most

A dated log of the episodes — days per month with pain tied to a bowel movement, and which of the six signs came with them — over three months; the levels are counted, not described

C&P exam tips for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

1What wins this rating: a symptom record showing how many days abdominal pain related to bowel movements occurred over the previous three months — at least 1 day a week supports the 30% maximum; at least 3 days a month supports 20%.
2Keep a diary of episodes: dates of abdominal pain tied to bowel movements, plus stool frequency/form changes, straining or urgency, mucus, bloating, or distension.
3Document any work or social impact from urgency and bathroom dependence.

Common mistakes on Irritable Bowel Syndrome claims

Under-describing frequency — the level turns on how many days per week or month the pain occurs over the previous three months.
Not naming at least two of the listed bowel symptoms (stool frequency, stool form, straining/urgency, mucus, bloating, distension) — every level requires two or more.
Expecting more than 30% — that is the schedular maximum for IBS.
Not separately claiming related GI diagnoses (GERD, etc.) where present.

Frequently asked questions

What diagnostic code does the VA use for Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is rated under 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7319 (as revised by 89 FR 19743, Mar. 20, 2024) — diagnostic code 7319.

What is the highest schedular VA rating for Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

30% is the highest level in the rating schedule for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. The criteria at that level describe: 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. 30% is the maximum schedular rating under DC 7319.

How much does a 30% VA rating for Irritable Bowel Syndrome pay in 2026?

$552.47 per month, tax-free, for a veteran with no dependents (rates effective December 1, 2025) — more with a spouse, children, or dependent parents. If you have other rated conditions, the VA combines ratings using its own math rather than adding them.

Can Irritable Bowel Syndrome be claimed as a secondary condition?

Yes — veterans commonly file Irritable Bowel Syndrome secondary to Anxiety Disorder under 38 C.F.R. § 3.310. What carries a secondary claim is a medical nexus opinion connecting it to the service-connected condition.

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Educational information about the rating schedule — not legal or medical advice, never a prediction or promise of any rating, and not affiliated with the VA.