---
title: "DC 7318 - Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), complications of (such as strictures and biliary leaks)"
diagnostic_code: "7318"
body_system: "Digestive System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.114"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/digestive/7318-gallbladder-removal"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.114"
updated: "2026-07-21T04:12:34.830613Z"
---

# DC 7318 - Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), complications of (such as strictures and biliary leaks)

Rated under § 4.114. Body system: Digestive System.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 30% | With recurrent abdominal pain (post-prandial or nocturnal); and chronic diarrhea characterized by three or more watery bowel movements per day |
| 10% | With intermittent abdominal pain; and diarrhea characterized by one to two watery bowel movements per day |
| 0% | Asymptomatic |

# Cholecystectomy Complications (VA Diagnostic Code 7318)

## Understanding Your Rating for Gallbladder Removal Complications

*Digestive System — 38 CFR § 4.114, Diagnostic Code 7318*

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### What This Condition Covers

Diagnostic Code 7318 addresses **complications following a cholecystectomy** — the surgical removal of the gallbladder. These complications can include issues such as **strictures** (narrowing of the bile ducts) and **biliary leaks**.

The VA rates this condition based on the symptoms you experience after surgery, with particular attention to **abdominal pain** and **diarrhea**.

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### Available Rating Levels

The VA assigns one of three rating levels based on the severity and frequency of your symptoms:

| Rating | What It Reflects |
|--------|------------------|
| **30%** | Recurrent abdominal pain (occurring after meals or at night); **and** chronic diarrhea with three or more watery bowel movements per day |
| **10%** | Intermittent abdominal pain; **and** diarrhea with one to two watery bowel movements per day |
| **0%** | Asymptomatic (no symptoms) |

---

### What the VA Looks For

When evaluating complications from a gallbladder removal under this code, the VA focuses on:

- **The pattern of abdominal pain** — whether it is recurrent (including pain after meals or at night) or intermittent.
- **The frequency of diarrhea** — specifically, how many watery bowel movements occur per day.
- **Whether symptoms are present at all** — an asymptomatic condition is rated at 0%.

Documenting the frequency and nature of your abdominal pain and bowel movements can help provide a clear picture of how this condition affects you.

Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.114