Diagnostic Code 7343 · 38 CFR §4.114
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, the organ behind the stomach that produces digestive enzymes and insulin. Acute pancreatitis causes sudden severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting that often requires hospitalization. When the condition recurs or does not fully resolve, it becomes chronic pancreatitis, which progressively damages the pancreas and can lead to permanent digestive and blood sugar control problems. Veterans may develop pancreatitis from gallstone disease related to service, alcohol use as a coping mechanism for service-related conditions, abdominal trauma, or medication side effects.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | |
| 60% | |
| 30% | |
| 10% |
CT scan or MRI showing pancreatic changes (calcifications, atrophy, ductal changes), Lab results showing elevated lipase or amylase during acute episodes, Fecal elastase test results showing pancreatic enzyme insufficiency, Blood glucose and HbA1c levels if diabetes has developed, Hospitalization records for acute pancreatitis episodes, Records of enzyme replacement therapy and other medications