---
title: "DC 7355 - Celiac disease"
diagnostic_code: "7355"
body_system: "Digestive System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.114"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/digestive/7355-celiac-disease"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.114"
updated: "2026-07-21T04:21:49.602239Z"
---

# DC 7355 - Celiac disease

Rated under § 4.114. Body system: Digestive System.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 80% | Malabsorption syndrome with weakness which interferes with activities of daily living; and weight loss resulting in wasting and nutritional deficiencies; and with systemic manifestations including but not limited to, weakness and fatigue, dermatitis, lymph node enlargement, hypocalcemia, low vitamin levels; and anemia related to malabsorption; and episodes of abdominal pain and diarrhea due to lactase deficiency or pancreatic insufficiency |
| 50% | Malabsorption syndrome with chronic diarrhea managed by medically-prescribed dietary intervention such as prescribed gluten-free diet, with nutritional deficiencies due to lactase and pancreatic insufficiency; and with systemic manifestations including, but not limited to, weakness and fatigue, dermatitis, lymph node enlargement, hypocalcemia, low vitamin levels, or atrophy of the inner intestinal lining shown on biopsy |
| 30% | Malabsorption syndrome with chronic diarrhea managed by medically-prescribed dietary intervention such as prescribed gluten-free diet; and without nutritional deficiencies |

## Notes

- Note (1): An appropriate serum antibody test or endoscopy with biopsy must confirm the diagnosis.
- Note (2): For evaluation of celiac disease with the predominant disability of malabsorption, use the greater evaluation between DC 7328 or celiac disease under DC 7355.

# VA Disability Ratings for Celiac Disease (Diagnostic Code 7355)

Celiac disease is rated under the VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities in the **Digestive System** category, at **38 CFR § 4.114**, Diagnostic Code **7355**.

## What This Condition Is

Celiac disease is a digestive condition that the VA evaluates based on how it affects your body — particularly the presence of **malabsorption syndrome**, chronic diarrhea, nutritional deficiencies, and systemic (whole-body) manifestations. Under this rating schedule, the VA looks at factors such as how the condition is managed (for example, through a medically-prescribed dietary intervention like a prescribed gluten-free diet), whether nutritional deficiencies are present, and the degree to which symptoms interfere with daily life.

## How the VA Confirms the Diagnosis

Under the rating notes for this code:

- **An appropriate serum antibody test or endoscopy with biopsy must confirm the diagnosis.** (Note 1)
- **When the predominant disability is malabsorption,** the VA uses the greater evaluation between Diagnostic Code 7328 or celiac disease under Diagnostic Code 7355. (Note 2)

## Available Rating Levels

The VA assigns one of the following rating levels based on the criteria your condition meets:

### 80%
Malabsorption syndrome with **weakness which interferes with activities of daily living**; and **weight loss resulting in wasting and nutritional deficiencies**; and with **systemic manifestations** including but not limited to weakness and fatigue, dermatitis, lymph node enlargement, hypocalcemia, low vitamin levels; and **anemia related to malabsorption**; and episodes of **abdominal pain and diarrhea** due to lactase deficiency or pancreatic insufficiency.

### 50%
Malabsorption syndrome with **chronic diarrhea managed by medically-prescribed dietary intervention** such as a prescribed gluten-free diet, with **nutritional deficiencies** due to lactase and pancreatic insufficiency; and with **systemic manifestations** including, but not limited to, weakness and fatigue, dermatitis, lymph node enlargement, hypocalcemia, low vitamin levels, or **atrophy of the inner intestinal lining shown on biopsy**.

### 30%
Malabsorption syndrome with **chronic diarrhea managed by medically-prescribed dietary intervention** such as a prescribed gluten-free diet; and **without nutritional deficiencies**.

## What the VA Looks For When Rating Celiac Disease

When evaluating celiac disease under Diagnostic Code 7355, the VA considers:

- **A confirmed diagnosis** through an appropriate serum antibody test or endoscopy with biopsy.
- **The presence and severity of malabsorption syndrome.**
- **How chronic diarrhea is managed** — for example, through a medically-prescribed dietary intervention such as a prescribed gluten-free diet.
- **Whether nutritional deficiencies are present**, including deficiencies due to lactase and pancreatic insufficiency.
- **Systemic manifestations**, which may include weakness and fatigue, dermatitis, lymph node enlargement, hypocalcemia, and low vitamin levels.
- **Weight loss resulting in wasting**, anemia related to malabsorption, and episodes of abdominal pain and diarrhea.
- **The degree of impact on daily life**, including weakness that interferes with activities of daily living.
- **Findings from biopsy**, such as atrophy of the inner intestinal lining.

*This information summarizes the VA rating schedule criteria for Diagnostic Code 7355 as found in 38 CFR § 4.114. It is provided for general informational purposes only.*

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