IBS VA Rating Explained: How to Qualify, Prove Service Connection, and Maximize Benefits

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If you’re a veteran dealing with chronic digestive issues like abdominal pain, diarrhea, or bloating, you may be eligible for an IBS VA rating.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) as a compensable VA disability—especially for Gulf War veterans and those whose symptoms were triggered or worsened by service.

In this guide, we’ll explain how the VA rates IBS, what evidence you need to prove service connection, how presumptive benefits work, and how to appeal if your IBS VA claim was denied.

Summary of Key Points

• IBS is a chronic gastrointestinal condition causing abdominal pain, bloating, and bowel habit changes. 

• The irritable bowel syndrome VA rating is 10%, 20%, or 30%, depending on how frequent and severe your symptoms are, including abdominal pain related to defecation, changes in stool frequency or form, and bloating. 

• IBS is a Gulf War presumptive condition, meaning you don’t have to prove service connection if you have a current diagnosis, symptoms lasting at least six months, and served in eligible Gulf War areas since August 2, 1990. 

IBS in Veterans

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a chronic disorder of the large intestine that causes recurring abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits such as diarrhea or constipation.  

While the exact cause is unclear, IBS often results from abnormal intestinal contractions, heightened gut sensitivity, and disruptions in the gut-brain axis triggered by stress or trauma. 

For many veterans, IBS develops due to unique service-related factors like high stress and combat trauma, gastrointestinal (GI) infections from deployments, medication use (antibiotics, NSAIDs, painkillers), poor diet during service, and exposure to environmental toxins. 

Common symptoms of IBS include: 

• Abdominal pain 

• Bloating 

• Gas 

• Alternating constipation and diarrhea  

• Fatigue from disrupted sleep 

How the VA Rates IBS

The VA rates IBS under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7319 based on how often you have abdominal pain related to bowel movements and symptoms like changes in stool frequency or form, bloating, or urgency.  

You may receive a 10%, 20%, or 30% IBS VA rating, depending on how often your abdominal pain occurs and how many symptoms you have over the past three months.   

IBS VA Rating Chart

DC 7319, Irritable Bowel Syndrome	IBS VA Rating
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%
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	20%
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 distention	10%

Note (1): This diagnostic code may include functional digestive disorders (see 38 CFR § 3.317), 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 4.114 

How to Prove IBS for VA Disability

If you want to know how to get IBS service connected, here’s what you need: 

• A current medical diagnosis of IBS 

• An in-service event, injury, aggravation, or illness 

• A medical nexus (link) between your current diagnosis and the in-service event, injury, aggravation, or illness 

Is IBS a Gulf War Presumptive?

Yes, the VA recognizes IBS as a Gulf War presumptive condition, meaning you don’t have to prove your military service caused it. 

You’ll need: 

1. A current diagnosis of IBS 

2. Evidence that symptoms have lasted at least 6 months 

3. Proof of service in one of the following areas during the Gulf War era (August 2, 1990–present): 

• Iraq 

• Kuwait 

• Saudi Arabia 

• The neutral zone between Iraq and Saudi Arabia 

• Bahrain 

• Qatar 

• The United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) 

• Oman 

• Gulf of Aden 

• Gulf of Oman 

• Waters of the Persian Gulf, the Arabian Sea, and the Red Sea 

• The airspace above these locations 

>>Find Out Why VA Presumptive Conditions Are Easy to Get Approved 

IBS as a Secondary Condition

IBS can also qualify as a secondary service-connected condition if it develops due to another service-connected disability.  

For example, chronic stress, anxiety, depression, or PTSD can disrupt the gut-brain axis, leading to or worsening IBS symptoms.  

Similarly, medications taken for other service-connected conditions, such as painkillers, NSAIDs, or antibiotics, can irritate the GI tract and trigger IBS. 

To prove IBS as a secondary condition, you’ll need a current diagnosis and medical evidence showing that your primary service-connected disability directly caused or aggravated your IBS. 

Pro Tip: A strong nexus letter from a qualified licensed medical professional is often crucial to establishing this link and strengthening your VA disability claim. 

Learn More: 10 Most Common IBS Secondary Conditions 

C&P Exam for IBS

The IBS compensation and pension (C&P) exam is one of the most critical steps in your VA disability claim.  

Its purpose is to confirm your current diagnosis, assess the severity of your symptoms, and determine whether your IBS is connected to your military service. 

During the exam, the VA examiner will review your medical records, ask detailed questions about your symptoms, and may perform a physical exam or order tests to rule out other gastrointestinal issues.  

Be prepared to explain how often your symptoms occur, what triggers them, and how they affect your daily life, work, and relationships. 

Pro Tip: Bring a copy of your medical records, a symptom diary, and any private medical opinions to your exam. 

>>10 EXPERT Tips to DOMINATE Your C&P Exam! 

Denied IBS VA Claim?

No matter how prepared you are, the VA may still deny your claim. 

The good news? You have appeal options. 

You can: 

• File a Supplemental Claim if you have new and relevant evidence that the VA didn’t have when they originally reviewed your claim. 

• Ask for a Higher-Level Review if you believe the VA made a mistake evaluating your claim and you don’t have new evidence to submit. 

• Appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals if you disagree with a prior decision or want a Veterans Law Judge to review your case in a hearing, either in person or virtually. 

Learn More: How to Appeal a VA Disability Claim Denial 

Final Thoughts

IBS can significantly impact your daily life, but it’s also one of the most straightforward gastrointestinal conditions to qualify for VA disability benefits (especially for Gulf War-era veterans). Whether it’s filed as a presumptive condition or secondary to PTSD or medication side effects, a clear medical diagnosis and strong nexus letter are key to approval.

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FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions

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