Digestive

IBS

A functional bowel condition involving abdominal symptoms and changes in bowel habits.

Regulatory summaries checked against eCFR current through July 9, 2026 · condition-library-2026.07.09 · record 400395f14cdc

Quick rating reference

How VA may evaluate IBS

Select a diagnostic code or shared formula to see the criteria that apply to that manifestation.

Verified summaries are labeled

Potential codesDC 7319

Verified evaluation levels10% · 20% · 30%

Rating paths shown1

Diagnostic-code criteria

Irritable bowel syndrome

The frequency of defecation-related abdominal pain is considered together with accompanying bowel symptoms.

Plain-language summary verified

EvaluationPlain-language criteria summary

10%

Pain at least once in 3 months plus accompanying symptoms

Defecation-related abdominal pain occurred at least once in the previous 3 months, with at least 2 listed bowel symptoms.

20%

Pain at least 3 days per month plus accompanying symptoms

The pattern persisted during the previous 3 months, with at least 2 listed bowel symptoms.

30%

Pain at least 1 day per week plus accompanying symptoms

The pattern persisted during the previous 3 months, with at least 2 listed bowel symptoms.

Accompanying symptoms include changes in stool frequency or form, altered passage, mucorrhea, bloating, and subjective distension.

This reference explains the schedule; it does not predict an individual rating. VA determines the applicable code and evaluation from the complete record.

Overview

A useful IBS history records abdominal pain, its relationship to bowel movements, bowel frequency or form changes, treatment, and the effect of episodes on ordinary activity.

What VA measures

Irritable bowel syndrome is evaluated under diagnostic code 7319. Current criteria consider abdominal pain related to defecation together with accompanying bowel symptoms and how frequently they occur.

Frequency of abdominal pain related to defecation

Change in stool frequency or form

Urgency, straining, bloating, or distension

Clinically documented pattern and functional effects

Evidence that may be useful

Current diagnosis and gastroenterology notes
Testing used to evaluate other causes
Medication and dietary-treatment history
Contemporaneous bowel or symptom log
Statements describing activity interruption

Helpful documentation habits

Track pain and bowel symptoms together
Record frequency using a consistent period
Note dietary changes and treatment response
Document urgent episodes and activity limitations

Common preparation gaps

Listing diarrhea or constipation without the broader symptom pattern
Submitting a short log as if it represents a longer period
Confusing IBS with a separately diagnosed inflammatory bowel disease

Diagnostic-code map

A diagnosis or body part can involve more than one code. The applicable code depends on the medical findings and manifestations in the record.

DC 7319§ 4.114

Irritable bowel syndrome

Uses the frequency of defecation-related abdominal pain together with accompanying bowel symptoms.

Official criteria