Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) (DC 7319)

Following a 2024 overhaul of the digestive rating schedule, IBS is now rated on the frequency of abdominal pain related to defecation, plus at least two of six specific accompanying symptoms, replacing the older, vaguer "mild/moderate/severe" wording.

Common Filing Mistake

This diagnostic code may also cover other functional digestive disorders like dyspepsia and functional bloating, not just classic IBS. A common gap: only documenting pain frequency without also getting the accompanying symptoms (stool frequency/form changes, straining, mucus, bloating, distension) noted in your medical records, both parts are required at every tier.

Diagnostic Codes

DC 7319Irritable bowel syndrome

Rating Criteria

Rating	Criteria
30%	Abdominal pain related to defecation at least one day per week during the previous three months; and two or more of: (1) change in stool frequency, (2) change in stool form, (3) altered stool passage (straining and/or urgency), (4) mucorrhea, (5) abdominal bloating, or (6) subjective distension
20%	Abdominal pain related to defecation at least three days per month during the previous three months; and two or more of the same six symptoms listed above
10%	Abdominal pain related to defecation at least once during the previous three months; and two or more of the same six symptoms listed above

Special Rules

This is the current criteria effective May 19, 2024. Older decisions may reference the prior "irritable colon syndrome" wording (mild/moderate/severe), which is no longer the standard for new claims.
Ratings under most digestive diagnostic codes (7301–7329, 7331, 7342, 7345–7350, 7352, 7355–7357) generally cannot be combined with each other, a single rating reflects the predominant disability.
IBS can be separately rated alongside other digestive conditions (like GERD) that don't share overlapping symptoms, ask your provider to document each condition's symptoms distinctly.

Sourced from 38 CFR §§ 4.71a / 4.130. This is a reference aid, not a rating decision, your actual rating depends on the medical evidence in your specific case and your C&P exam findings. Rules can be amended, verify current text at eCFR.gov or with an accredited VSO before relying on this for a specific claim.