How Does the VA Rate Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)? 

– Matt Sauerwald, Vice-President, Veterans Help Group

Matt Sauerwald has been a dedicated advocate for Veterans who are seeking help with their VA disability claims. He has represented thousands of veterans and has a thorough knowledge of the Veterans Administration and the VA disability application and appeals processes. 

Below, Matt will help answer some commonly asked questions about VA ratings for Irritable Bowel Syndrome and the related benefits. 

VA Disability and Irritable Bowel Syndrome

The VA may recognize irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as either a service-connected condition or a secondary service connection. Though IBS itself isn’t presumptively service-connected, it may be considered presumptively connected in Persian Gulf War veterans if certain conditions are met. 

Here’s what you need to know about IBS, how the VA rates the condition, and what those ratings mean for you. 

What is IBS? 

Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic condition that causes a range of digestive-system symptoms, including: 

• Sharp pain or cramping in the abdomen
• Abdominal bloating
• Gas
• Constipation, diarrhea, or both
• Mucus in stools

IBS symptoms may be triggered by eating certain foods or periods of high stress. The condition is somewhat unique in that IBS is not accompanied by digestive tract damage. As such, there’s no conclusive test for the condition. After ruling out other conditions through testing, a doctor typically diagnoses IBS based on symptoms.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Disability Ratings

IBS is rated under the listing for irritable colon syndrome. The schedule includes only three possible ratings: 0%, 10%, and 30%. 

30% Rating (Severe IBS):

This is the highest rating the VA gives for IBS, meaning it significantly affects your quality of life.

To qualify for a 30% rating, you must have:

• Abdominal pain related to defecation at least one day per week for the last three months
• Two or more of the following:
  • Changes in how often you go
  • Changes in stool consistency
  • Straining or urgency
  • Mucorrhea (excess mucus in stool)
  • Bloating
  • Feeling of abdominal fullness

20% Rating (Moderate IBS)

This level suggests frequent but not constant issues with IBS.

For a 20% rating, your symptoms must include:

• Abdominal pain related to defecation at least three days per month for the last three months
• Two or more of the same symptoms listed above

10% Rating (Mild IBS)

This rating recognizes that IBS affects you but not as frequently or severely as higher-rated cases.

The 10% rating applies if:

• Abdominal pain related to defecation happens at least once in the last three months
• You still experience at least two of the qualifying symptoms

What Else You Should Know

The VA considers IBS under functional digestive disorders, which means it can be rated alongside conditions like dyspepsia, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. If your symptoms don’t fully fit into the IBS category, they may fall under gastrointestinal dysmotility syndrome (DC 7356) instead.

Veterans Help Group is Here for You

Whether you’re just starting a VA disability claim or your IBS claim has been denied, the experienced veterans disability benefits advocates at Veterans Help Group are on your side. Every day, we put our knowledge and experience to work fighting for veterans like you and their families. To learn more about how we can help you submit the strongest possible claim or effectively appeal a VA disability denial, fill out our contact form here or call us today at 855-855-8992.

READ MORE ABOUT THIS:

• MOST COMMON THINGS VETERANS DO TO WIN THEIR VA DISABILITY BENEFITS CLAIMS
• COMMON SECONDARY SERVICE-CONNECTED CONDITIONS
• MOST COMMON DISABILITIES AMONG WOMEN VETERANS
• TOP WAYS TO GET YOUR VA CLAIM APPROVED