Looking for Expert-Level VA Claim Answers?📱Call Us Now! 737-295-2226
Living with ulcerative colitis is exhausting, especially when you’re dealing with unpredictable flare-ups and the VA disability process at the same time.
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can cause severe pain, fatigue, and lasting complications. The good news? The VA recognizes it as a ratable condition, and you may be eligible for compensation.
In this post, you’ll learn how an ulcerative colitis VA rating is determined, how to prove service connection, and what to expect during the VA claims process.
Summary of Key Points
- Ulcerative colitis is a ratable VA disability when you have a current diagnosis, and it’s connected to your military service, either directly or as a secondary condition.
- The VA assigns ratings from 10% to 100% (under DC 7323) based on overall severity, treatment type, and functional impact rather than a single symptom.
- Strong medical evidence is critical, including treatment records, symptom frequency, C&P exam findings, and a nexus (link) clearly explaining how service caused or aggravated the condition.
- Ulcerative colitis may qualify for secondary service connection when another service-connected condition (such as PTSD) causes or worsens symptoms, potentially increasing your overall (combined) VA disability rating.
Table of Contents
Ulcerative Colitis and VA Disability
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes chronic inflammation and ulcers in the colon and rectum. While symptoms can range from mild to severe, ulcerative colitis may qualify for VA disability compensation when it’s linked to military service.
Common symptoms the VA looks at:
- Ulcerative colitis symptoms often include:
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Bloody diarrhea
- Rectal bleeding or pain
- Fatigue
- Weight loss or loss of appetite
- Frequent or urgent bowel movements
Symptoms may flare and improve over time, but the VA focuses on severity, frequency, and functional impact when assigning a rating.
How the VA Rates Ulcerative Colitis
The VA rates ulcerative colitis at 10%, 30%, 60%, or 100% under diagnostic code 7323. These ratings follow the same criteria the VA uses to evaluate Crohn’s disease (DC 7326).
A VA rating for ulcerative colitis depends on symptom severity, daily frequency of diarrhea and rectal bleeding, required treatment level, hospitalizations, and whether the condition limits your ability to work.
Ulcerative Colitis VA Rating Chart
| VA Rating Criteria for Ulcerative Colitis | VA Rating |
| Severe inflammatory bowel disease that is unresponsive to treatment; and requires hospitalization at least once per year; and results in either an inability to work or is characterized by recurrent abdominal pain associated with at least two of the following: (1) six or more episodes per day of diarrhea, (2) six or more episodes per day of rectal bleeding, (3) recurrent episodes of rectal incontinence, or (4) recurrent abdominal distension | 100% |
| Moderate inflammatory bowel disease that is managed on an outpatient basis with immunosuppressants or other biologic agents; and is characterized by recurrent abdominal pain, four to five daily episodes of diarrhea; and intermittent signs of toxicity such as fever, tachycardia, or anemia | 60% |
| Mild to moderate inflammatory bowel disease that is managed with oral and topical agents (other than immunosuppressants or other biologic agents); and is characterized by recurrent abdominal pain with three or less daily episodes of diarrhea and minimal signs of toxicity such as fever, tachycardia, or anemia | 30% |
| Minimal to mild symptomatic inflammatory bowel disease that is managed with oral or topical agents (other than immunosuppressants or other biologic agents); and is characterized by recurrent abdominal pain with three or less daily episodes of diarrhea and no signs of systemic toxicity | 10% |
Note (1): Following colectomy/colostomy with persistent or recurrent symptoms, rate either under DC 7326 or DC 7329 (Intestine, large, resection of), whichever provides the highest rating.
Note (2): VA requires diagnoses under DC 7326 to be confirmed by endoscopy or radiologic studies.
Note (3): Inflammation may involve small bowel (ileitis), large bowel (colitis), or inflammation of any component of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus.
Proving Service Connection
To qualify for an ulcerative colitis VA rating, you must establish service connection by demonstrating that your condition was caused or worsened by your time in service.
Direct Service Connection
To establish direct service connection, you need:
- A current medical diagnosis of ulcerative colitis
- An in-service event or injury that caused or aggravated your ulcerative colitis
- A link (or Nexus) between your military service and your ulcerative colitis (Your condition must be “at least as likely as not” caused or aggravated by your military service)
Pro Tip: A nexus letter is one of the strongest tools for proving service connection, especially when it clearly links your ulcerative colitis to an in-service cause or aggravation.
Secondary Service Connection
Ulcerative colitis may also qualify for VA compensation as a secondary condition. This happens when another service-connected condition causes or aggravates your ulcerative colitis.
Common secondary or aggravating factors may include:
- PTSD or chronic stress conditions
- Medication side effects
- Other gastrointestinal disorders
If medical evidence shows your ulcerative colitis worsened due to a service-connected condition, you may qualify for secondary service connection even if symptoms started after service.
Learn More: What is Secondary Service Connection for VA Disability?
How to File a VA Claim for Ulcerative Colitis
You can apply for an ulcerative colitis VA rating in one of the following ways:
- Online at VA.gov
- Mail a completed VA Form 21-526EZ
- Fax your completed application to 844-531-7818 (Inside the U.S.) or 248-524-4260 (Outside the U.S.).
- Submit your application in person at a local regional VA office.
Learn More: 20 VA Disability Terms to Know BEFORE You File a VA Claim!
C&P Exam for Ulcerative Colitis: What to Expect & How to Prepare!
If you file a claim, the VA may schedule a compensation and pension (C&P) exam if additional medical evidence is needed to decide on your claim. During this exam, the examiner may ask about symptom frequency, severity, treatment history, and functional impact.
Be prepared to discuss:
- How often you experience diarrhea and rectal bleeding
- Whether flare-ups interfere with work or daily activities
- Hospitalizations or emergency treatment
- Current medications, including steroids, immunosuppressants, or biologics
The VA may use an Intestinal Conditions Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) to organize your medical evidence and make a rating decision.
Learn More: Is a C&P Exam a Good Sign for Your VA Disability Claim?
Conclusion
Ulcerative colitis can significantly impact daily life, and the VA disability system considers that impact when claims are backed by strong medical evidence. Understanding how the VA rates ulcerative colitis and clearly documenting symptom severity can directly affect your rating.
Whether your condition began in service, worsened after discharge, or developed as a secondary condition, missing these benefits can limit long-term aid. The key is documenting the full impact of ulcerative colitis and ensuring the VA recognizes the condition as it truly affects your life.
Want Expert-Level Support for Your VA Disability Claim? WE GOT YOUR SIX!
- VA Claims Insider is the #1 most trusted name in VA disability claims.
- Work directly with a VA claims coach who can educate you through the claims process.
- 25,000+ disabled veterans have served in our membership programs since 2016.
- 30% average rating increase for veterans who complete our #1-rated membership program.
- 4.7/5.0 average rating out of 6,000+ total reviews; over 5,000 5-star reviews.
FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
Can ulcerative colitis be service-connected for VA disability?
Yes. If your ulcerative colitis began in service, was aggravated by service, or developed secondary to another service-connected condition, you may qualify for VA disability benefits.
What is the VA disability rating for ulcerative colitis?
The VA disability rating for ulcerative colitis ranges from 10% to 100% under DC 7323. The VA looks at how often you have diarrhea or bleeding, what treatment you need, how often you’re hospitalized, and whether the condition affects your ability to work.
What VA diagnostic code is used for ulcerative colitis?
The VA rates ulcerative colitis under Diagnostic Code 7323. Ratings range from 10% to 100% depending on the frequency and severity of flare-ups, malnutrition, and overall health impact.
What’s the difference between a 10% and a 30% VA rating for ulcerative colitis?
The main difference is how often you experience flare-ups. At 10%, symptoms are moderate with infrequent exacerbations. At 30%, symptoms are considered moderately severe with frequent exacerbations (often monthly or more). Calculate your combined VA rating
Can ulcerative colitis be rated as a secondary VA condition?
Yes. Ulcerative colitis can be service-connected as a secondary condition when medical evidence shows it was caused or aggravated by another service-connected condition, such as PTSD. A strong nexus letter is often critical to establishing that connection.
Can I get 100% VA disability for ulcerative colitis?
Yes, you can receive a 100% VA rating for ulcerative colitis if it’s severe, doesn’t improve with treatment, and requires hospitalization at least once a year. The VA also looks for proof that it stops you from working or causes ongoing abdominal pain along with other serious symptoms like frequent diarrhea, bleeding, incontinence, or bloating.
Can PTSD cause ulcerative colitis?
PTSD doesn’t directly cause ulcerative colitis, but medical evidence shows it can aggravate the condition by increasing the severity and frequency of symptoms. Under VA law, this aggravation can establish secondary service connection and eligibility for compensation.
Is it hard to get VA disability for ulcerative colitis?
Ulcerative colitis claims can be challenging without proper documentation, but strong medical evidence, a current diagnosis, and a nexus letter may significantly improve your approval odds.
Content Reviewed By
Quality Assurance Team
The Quality Assurance (QA) team at VA Claims Insider has extensive experience researching, fact-checking, and ensuring accuracy in all produced content. The QA team consists of individuals with specialized knowledge in the VA disability claims adjudication processes, laws and regulations, and they understand the needs of our target audience. Any changes or suggestions the QA team makes are thoroughly reviewed and incorporated into the content by our writers and creators.
About the Author
Kelly Olone
Kelly Olone is a military spouse who earned her degree in Psychology from Florida International University. After working in the non-profit sector for several years, she turned to her passion for writing. She aims to contribute to a better understanding of the valuable benefits that veterans deserve. As a mom, Kelly navigates the delicate balance between deadlines and bedtime stories with finesse.
