Diagnostic Code 7331 · 38 CFR §4.114
Tuberculous peritonitis is a form of tuberculosis that infects the peritoneum — the membrane lining the abdominal cavity and covering the organs inside it. This causes abdominal pain and swelling, fever, weight loss, and fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites). Veterans may have been exposed to TB during service in areas with high TB prevalence or in close-quarters environments like barracks, ships, or confined operational spaces. While active TB peritonitis can be treated with antibiotics, some veterans experience lasting abdominal complications including adhesions and chronic pain.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | |
| 30% | |
| 0% |
TB testing results (skin test, blood test, or culture) confirming tuberculosis, Peritoneal fluid analysis or biopsy confirming peritoneal involvement, Imaging showing peritoneal thickening, fluid, or adhesions, Treatment records for the full course of anti-tuberculosis medications, Service records showing exposure risk (deployment location, ship duty, known TB contacts), Documentation of residual symptoms after treatment completion