Irritable bowel syndrome DC 7319
Listed in the rating schedule as “Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)”. VA rates it under diagnostic code 7319 in 38 CFR 4.114. Body system: Digestive.
Also searched as: IBS, irritable bowel.
How VA rates it
The schedule allows 3 rating levels for this code: 10%, 20%, and 30%. VA picks the level whose criteria best match your symptoms and records.
Digestive criteria were revised in 2024; check the current schedule for your symptoms.
Source: 38 CFR 4.114 on eCFR. Read the full criteria there before you file.
Rating levels and criteria
| Rating | What the schedule says |
|---|---|
| 30% | 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 |
| 20% | 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 |
| 10% | 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 |
Criteria text from 38 CFR 4.114, eCFR as of November 10, 2026. The eCFR is the official source if anything here differs.
Notes in the schedule (1)
Note: This diagnostic code may include functional digestive disorders (see § 3.317 of this chapter), such as dyspepsia, functional bloating and constipation, and diarrhea. Evaluate other symptoms of a functional digestive disorder not encompassed by this diagnostic code under the appropriate diagnostic code, to include gastrointestinal dysmotility syndrome (DC 7356), following the general principles of § 4.14 and this section.
Conditions it can lead to
If this condition is service connected, these conditions are often claimed as secondary to it (38 CFR 3.310). Each one still needs its own diagnosis.
Hemorrhoids, external or internal DC 7336 Possible link
Chronic diarrhea or constipation from IBS is a known cause of hemorrhoids.
What to gather: A hemorrhoid diagnosis and a medical opinion linking it to your IBS.
Sources: 38 CFR 3.310 (secondary service connection); NIDDK (NIH): Symptoms and causes of hemorrhoids
Major depressive disorder DC 9434 Possible link
Depression and anxiety are common in people with IBS, and the gut and brain affect each other.
What to gather: A mental health diagnosis and a medical opinion that your IBS caused it or made it worse.
Sources: 38 CFR 3.310 (secondary service connection); Prevalence of anxiety and depression in patients with IBS: systematic review with meta-analysis (Aliment Pharmacol Ther, 2019)
Commonly claimed as secondary to
If one of these is already service connected, you may be able to claim this condition as secondary to it.
Generalized anxiety disorder DC 9400 Possible link
Anxiety is linked with irritable bowel syndrome through the gut-brain connection.
What to gather: An IBS diagnosis and a medical opinion that your anxiety caused it or makes it worse.
Sources: 38 CFR 3.310 (secondary service connection); Anxiety and depression comorbidities in IBS: systematic review and meta-analysis (Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci, 2014)
Major depressive disorder DC 9434 Possible link
Depression is linked with irritable bowel syndrome through the gut-brain connection.
What to gather: An IBS diagnosis and a medical opinion that your depression caused it or makes it worse.
Sources: 38 CFR 3.310 (secondary service connection); Anxiety and depression comorbidities in IBS: systematic review and meta-analysis (Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci, 2014)
PTSD DC 9411 Possible link
PTSD is linked with irritable bowel syndrome through the gut-brain connection.
What to gather: An IBS diagnosis and a medical opinion that your PTSD caused it or makes it worse.
Sources: 38 CFR 3.310 (secondary service connection); Association between PTSD and irritable bowel syndrome: systematic review with meta-analysis (J Gastroenterol Hepatol, 2019)
Presumptive rules that include it
If your service matches one of these, VA presumes the link to service and you do not need a medical opinion connecting it.
Gulf War undiagnosed and multisymptom illness
Covered: Functional gastrointestinal disorders, such as IBS, functional dyspepsia, and functional abdominal pain.
Time limit: Must reach at least 10% disabling by December 31, 2026 under the regulation (38 CFR 3.317(a)(1)(i)), unless it started during service in the region. VA.gov says a diagnosis any time after separation counts, but file before that date to be safe.
Who qualifies: Service on or after August 2, 1990 in Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the neutral zone between Iraq and Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Oman, the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Persian Gulf, or Red Sea, or on the ground in Afghanistan, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Syria, or Turkey. Symptoms must last at least 6 months and not be explained by another diagnosis.
38 CFR 3.317(a). Sources: 38 CFR 3.317; VA.gov: Gulf War illnesses linked to Southwest Asia service
Former prisoners of war (held 30 days or more)
Covered: Irritable bowel syndrome.
Who qualifies: Held as a prisoner of war for 30 days or more. The condition must reach at least 10% disabling at any time after service.
38 CFR 3.309(c)(2). Sources: 38 CFR 3.309; VA.gov: Benefits for former prisoners of war
Related medications
Medications prescribed for it
A prescription shows the condition was diagnosed. It still needs its own link to service.
- Alosetron (Lotronex). FDA labels: Alosetron (DailyMed)
- Dicyclomine (Bentyl). FDA labels: Dicyclomine (DailyMed)
- Eluxadoline (Viberzi). FDA labels: Eluxadoline (DailyMed)
- Linaclotide (Linzess). FDA labels: Linaclotide (DailyMed)
- Lubiprostone (Amitiza). FDA labels: Lubiprostone (DailyMed)
- Plecanatide (Trulance). FDA labels: Plecanatide (DailyMed)
- Rifaximin (Xifaxan). FDA labels: Rifaximin (DailyMed)
Check your claim
The claim finder asks about your service and current ratings, then lists conditions you may be able to claim. The calculator shows what a new rating does to your combined rating and monthly pay.
Open the claim finderOpen the VA rating calculator
Free help: an accredited VSO representative can file and track your claim at no cost. Find one near you by ZIP code.
Rating schedule data as of November 10, 2026. Secondary and presumptive links checked November 13, 2026.
Not affiliated with the VA. VA decides ratings. Free help from an accredited VSO is available at no cost.