Diagnostic Code 7323 · 38 CFR §4.114
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic inflammatory bowel diseases that cause inflammation in your digestive tract. Crohn's can affect any part of the GI tract from mouth to anus, while ulcerative colitis specifically affects the colon and rectum. Symptoms include abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea (often bloody), urgency, weight loss, fatigue, and malnutrition. Many veterans develop these conditions during or after service, potentially triggered by stress, dietary changes, infections acquired during deployment, or other service-related factors. The VA rates both conditions under the same diagnostic code based on symptom severity and how much they affect your overall health.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Moderate symptoms with infrequent exacerbations. You have occasional flare-ups of abdominal pain and diarrhea but they are manageable and do not significantly affect your weight or overall health. |
| 30% | Moderately severe symptoms with frequent exacerbations. You experience multiple episodes per year of significant abdominal pain, diarrhea, and possibly some malnutrition or anemia. Flare-ups interfere with daily activities and may require stronger medications. |
| 60% | Severe symptoms with frequent attacks of abdominal pain, diarrhea, and general poor health. You may have significant weight loss, malnutrition, anemia, or need for frequent hospitalization. The condition substantially limits your daily functioning. |
| 100% | Pronounced symptoms causing marked malnutrition and generally poor health. You are debilitated by the condition with serious complications such as fistulas, abscesses, bowel obstruction, or the need for total parenteral nutrition. You may have required surgical intervention. |
Colonoscopy and endoscopy reports showing the extent and severity of inflammation are key evidence. Lab results showing inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR, calprotectin), anemia, or nutritional deficiencies document the systemic impact. Treatment records showing medication changes — especially escalation to biologics, immunomodulators, or steroids — demonstrate severity. Surgical records from bowel resections, fistula repairs, or ostomy placement are critical if applicable.
Yes, both are rated under DC 7323 using identical criteria. The VA looks at symptom severity and overall health impact regardless of which specific diagnosis you have.
Yes. Inflammatory bowel disease can cause peripheral arthritis and other joint problems. These can be rated as secondary conditions under the musculoskeletal codes, combining with your IBD rating via VA math.
If you required a colostomy or ileostomy, the VA rates this under separate diagnostic codes for intestinal resection. This typically results in a significant rating that may be higher than the DC 7323 rating alone.