Understanding how VA disability ratings work can be pretty overwhelming, especially when dealing with conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). In this guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about VA disability rating for IBS in 2025 to understand the benefits you may be eligible for.
What is IBS?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, is a chronic condition that affects the digestive system by disrupting the large intestine or, sometimes, the gastrointestinal tract as a whole. Sufferers often go through a range of symptoms, including abdominal cramping, bloating, and frequent diarrhea or constipation.
For Veterans, IBS is a prevalent condition, with more than 230,000 Veterans receiving benefits for the condition. It’s a condition that impacts their daily life, stress levels, and work. Whether triggered by high-stress environments during active duty or worsened by physically demanding military tasks, IBS often affects veterans’ quality of life and ability to work efficiently.
The good news? If IBS has significantly impacted your life since your time in service, you may qualify for compensation through the VA disability rating system.
How Does the VA Rate IBS?
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) assesses IBS through diagnostic code (DC) 7319, assigning one of three disability ratings based on symptom severity—10%, 20%, or 30%. Here’s what each rating covers:
30% VA Disability Rating for IBS
A 30% rating is the highest level the VA awards for IBS and applies to severe cases marked by near-constant abdominal pain, alternating constipation and diarrhea, or chronic bowel disturbances that disrupt daily life. Symptoms may include:
- Mucus in stool
- Abdominal bloating
- Stool form changes
- Moderate eating
- Frequent bowel disturbances
Example Condition: A Veteran with near-daily diarrhea and cramping struggles to maintain steady employment due to constant bathroom access needs.
20% VA Disability Rating for IBS
This moderate rating is assigned when symptoms are less severe but still cause notable discomfort. Common symptoms include:
- Stool passage alteration
- Subjective distention
- Abdominal bloating
- Changes in stool form
- Possible symptoms of Muccorhea
Example Condition: A Veteran with weekly abdominal pain and mild diarrhea manages symptoms with over-the-counter medicine but experiences occasional work interruptions and discomfort.
10% VA Disability Rating for IBS
This rating is for mild cases of IBS with minimal impact on daily life or work performance. Symptoms include:
- Moderate bowel disturbance
- Occasional abdominal discomfort
- Straining or urgency
- Stool frequency or form changes
- Mucus in stool
Example condition: A Veteran experiences mild IBS flare-ups when consuming trigger foods but controls symptoms through diet and occasional medication.
IBS as a Secondary Disability
Oftentimes, IBS develops as a secondary disability rather than developing on its own. Simply put, it may arise as a result of another service-related disability. While there are multiple such conditions on the list, the most common ones that often trigger or worsen IBS include the following:
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Typically, emotional stressors resulting from PTSD lead to gastrointestinal issues, including IBS. Out of all the American professionals, military personnel face one of the highest risks of PTSD symptoms, primarily due to high stress levels on the field. In case you’re already service-connected for PTSD, you can claim IBS as a secondary disability.
Chronic Pain
In addition to PTSD, pain from other service-connected conditions leads to abdominal stress. When struck with more frequent gastrointestinal pain, veterans often develop IBS symptoms resulting from chronic pain. Service members may also be at higher risk of nervous system damage due to chemical exposure while serving.
Medications
Whether they’re for PTSD or any other service-connected conditions, medications play their fair share in manifesting IBS as a secondary disability. For example, certain painkillers or antidepressants prescribed to treat service-connected issues contain side effects that trigger IBS and sometimes worsen it.
Orthopedic Injuries
IBS can develop as a secondary condition to orthopedic injuries caused by excessive use of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). While these NSAIDs are prescribed to control pain and inflammation resulting from joint issues, their usage leads to the onset of IBS. This happens due to gut irritation and inflammation, altered gut motility, or higher intestinal permeability.
Is IBS a Presumptive Condition that can be Service-connected?
Yes, IBS can be service-connected as a presumptive condition for the following groups:
Former Prisoners of War (PoWs)
Veterans who were prisoners of war for at least 30 days automatically qualify to claim IBS under presumptive service connection rules. This means you don’t need to prove that IBS was caused by military service—your status alone is sufficient. Be sure to include documentation of your captivity and symptoms when applying.
Gulf War Veterans
Veterans who served in the Persian Gulf War and developed IBS within the designated timeframe often qualify under Gulf War Syndrome. Your IBS will be classified as part of a chronic multi-symptom illness if your symptoms persist for six months and aren’t due to misconduct. However, clinical diagnoses of IBS may exclude you from this presumption.
FAQs
Can I still receive VA compensation for IBS if my condition existed pre-service?
Yes. You’ll need to prove that your condition worsened during your service to qualify.
What is the maximum VA disability compensation for IBS?
The highest schedular rating is 30%, which awards approximately $537.42 per month. Severe cases may qualify for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) compensation if symptoms render you unable to work.
Can IBS be service-connected as a secondary condition?
Yes. PTSD, chronic pain, medications, and orthopedic injuries often contribute to IBS as a secondary condition.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with IBS as a Veteran can be a challenging experience, but you don’t need to face it alone. With a thorough understanding of the VA disability rating for IBS, you can better position yourself to secure the benefits you deserve. From gathering supporting evidence to submitting your claim, every effort brings you closer to receiving the compensation you need to improve your quality of life.
Are You Receiving the Compensation You Deserve?
Many Veterans don’t realize they could be eligible for a higher rating due to:
- Worsening conditions
- New evidence of service-connected disabilities
- Missed opportunities during the initial filing process
Even if you’ve already been rated, you may still qualify for an increase. Our team is here to provide a quick, no-obligation review of your case. Simply fill out the form below or call us at (619) 916-4652 to get started. Your service mattered—now it’s time to secure the benefits you deserve.
