VA Diagnostic Code 7326Crohn's disease or undifferentiated form of inflammatory bowel disease

VA Disability Ratings for Crohn's Disease & Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Diagnostic Code 7326)

Crohn's disease and undifferentiated forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are rated by the VA under Diagnostic Code 7326, part of the Digestive System rating schedule (38 CFR § 4.114).

Understanding the Condition

Inflammatory bowel disease involves inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. According to the VA's rating notes, this inflammation may affect the small bowel (ileitis), the large bowel (colitis), or any component of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus.

The VA requires that a diagnosis under DC 7326 be confirmed by endoscopy or radiologic studies.

Available Rating Levels

The VA assigns a rating percentage based on the severity of the disease, how it is managed, and the symptoms it produces. The available levels are:

100%

Severe inflammatory bowel disease that is unresponsive to treatment; 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
4. Recurrent abdominal distension

60%

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
• Intermittent signs of toxicity such as fever, tachycardia, or anemia

30%

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
• Three or fewer daily episodes of diarrhea
• Minimal signs of toxicity such as fever, tachycardia, or anemia

10%

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
• Three or fewer daily episodes of diarrhea
• No signs of systemic toxicity

What the VA Looks For

When evaluating IBD under DC 7326, the VA considers several factors reflected across the rating levels:

• Confirmed diagnosis through endoscopy or radiologic studies.
• How the condition is managed — for example, oral or topical agents versus immunosuppressants or biologic agents, outpatient care, or hospitalization.
• Frequency of symptoms such as daily episodes of diarrhea and recurrent abdominal pain.
• Signs of systemic toxicity such as fever, tachycardia, or anemia, and whether they are absent, minimal, or intermittent.
• Additional symptoms at the highest level, including rectal bleeding, rectal incontinence, abdominal distension, and the impact on the ability to work.

A Note on Related Conditions

Per the rating notes, following a colectomy or colostomy with persistent or recurrent symptoms, the condition may be rated either under DC 7326 or under DC 7329 (Intestine, large, resection of) — whichever provides the higher rating.