VA’s New IBS Criteria — Are You Missing Out on a 30 Percent Rating?

 Posted on June 27, 2025 in Uncategorized

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder characterized by a combination of abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, and a range of disruptive symptoms. For veterans, IBS can deeply impact daily living, affecting everything from work performance to quality of life. Recognizing the severity of this condition among those who served, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides disability ratings and compensation for service-connected IBS. As of May 19, 2024, the VA updated its rating criteria for IBS, refining the standards by which disability benefits are awarded. This article explores the updated IBS VA rating criteria, evidence requirements, and strategic tips to help veterans receive the benefits they deserve.

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VA Disability Rating Criteria for IBS (Effective May 19, 2024)

VA disability ratings for IBS are governed by Diagnostic Code 7319. The newly revised criteria now clearly define how symptoms are evaluated and categorized. Under the 2024 changes, there are three possible ratings for IBS:

• 0% Rating: Awarded if the veteran does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. Specifically, if abdominal pain during defecation or two out of six secondary symptoms are missing, only a 0% is awarded.
• 10% Rating: Requires abdominal pain during defecation and at least two out of six secondary symptoms, occurring at least once in the past three months.
• 20% Rating: Requires abdominal pain during defecation and at least two out of six secondary symptoms, occurring at least three days per month over the last three months.
• 30% Rating: The maximum available for IBS under the new code. This is assigned if abdominal pain during defecation and at least two out of six listed symptoms are present at least one day per week for the past three months.

The Six Additional Symptoms Under DC 7319

To receive a compensable rating, a veteran with IBS must also exhibit at least two of the following:

1. Change in stool frequency (such as constipation or diarrhea)
2. Change in stool form (solid to liquid, or vice versa)
3. Altered stool passage (straining or urgency)
4. Mucorrhea (presence of mucus in stool)
5. Abdominal bloating
6. Subjective distension (feeling of fullness or bloatedness)

Understanding these terms and accurately documenting them is crucial for an accurate VA rating.

Questions? Contact our team for a free consultation - https://calendly.com/vetlawoffice

Gathering Evidence for Your IBS VA Claim

To secure the appropriate VA rating for IBS, comprehensive documentation is critical.

• Compensation & Pension (C&P) Exam: After filing a claim, the VA will typically schedule a C&P exam. Review the examiner’s report carefully. In some cases, the examiner may note all the symptoms required for a higher rating, but the VA may still assign 0%. This can be grounds for a review or appeal.
• Medical Evidence: Medical records that detail frequency, duration, and severity of abdominal pain and related symptoms provide strong support for your claim.
• Lay Evidence: If medical records are limited, lay statements—firsthand written accounts from the veteran or witnesses—describe the frequency and impact of symptoms. Clearly outline which of the symptoms from Diagnostic Code 7319 you experience and their severity.

Appeals and Supplemental Claims

If you believe your IBS rating is incorrect:

• Higher Level Review: File VA Form 20-0996 for a higher-level review within one year of your decision. This path does not allow for new evidence but is effective if the C&P report already supports your claim.
• Supplemental Claim: If the C&P exam misses key symptoms, file a supplemental claim and submit new evidence, such as updated medical records or lay statements. The VA may then schedule another C&P exam. In both cases, be prepared to clearly describe your symptoms and their frequency during any subsequent examination.

Tips for Maximizing Your IBS VA Rating

• Be Thorough and Honest: During exams, explicitly discuss all IBS-related symptoms and how often they occur.
• Connect Symptoms to Criteria: Use the VA language—abdominal pain during defecation and at least two additional symptoms—from DC 7319 to frame your statements.
• Provide Regular Updates: Ongoing medical appointments and symptom diaries can help demonstrate your condition’s persistence and severity.
• Seek Professional Assistance if Needed: VA-accredited representatives and attorneys can review your case, help gather evidence, and advocate on your behalf.

With the 2024 updates to the IBS rating criteria, it is more important than ever for veterans to understand the VA’s evaluation process and articulate the full scope of their symptoms. Comprehensive medical evidence, detailed personal statements, and a keen understanding of the rating schedule can ensure that veterans with IBS receive the fair compensation their service—and condition—demands. By taking these steps, veterans can advocate for themselves and unlock the benefits to which they are entitled, ensuring better management and acknowledgment of the challenges posed by IBS.

Questions? Contact our team for a free consultation - https://calendly.com/vetlawoffice