★ Digestive
Crohn's Disease VA Rating
38 CFR § 4.114, Diagnostic Code 7323 (analogous)
Overview
Crohn's lacks a dedicated diagnostic code and is rated by analogy to ulcerative colitis.
Frequency and severity of exacerbations and need for hospitalization or surgery drive the rating.
Strictures, fistulas, and short bowel syndrome may be separately rated under digestive codes.
How to Establish Service Connection
- Direct: documented in-service onset (often Gulf War-area service).
- Aggravation of pre-existing IBD by service.
- Gulf War undiagnosed illness presumption may apply for functional GI symptoms (separate analysis).
Rating Criteria
Paraphrased from 38 CFR § 4.114, Diagnostic Code 7323 (analogous)
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Moderate; infrequent exacerbations. |
| 30% | Moderately severe; frequent exacerbations. |
| 60% | Severe; numerous attacks yearly with malnutrition and only fair health between attacks. |
| 100% | Pronounced; resulting in marked malnutrition, anemia, and general debility, or with serious complications. |
See what each percentage pays in 2026 and how it combines with your current rating →
Evidence Checklist
- Gastroenterology notes.
- Endoscopy / colonoscopy reports.
- Lab results (CRP, ESR, albumin).
- Hospitalization records.
- Medication history (biologics, immunosuppressants).
Common Secondary Conditions
Conditions frequently service-connected as secondary to Crohn's Disease:
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a Crohn's Disease claim or denial?
Four fields. A VA-accredited claims agent reviews it and responds within 3–5 business days. Contingent fees apply only to awarded past-due benefits on appeals — never on initial claims.
Requesting a consultation does not create representation and is not a guarantee of any outcome. Representation begins only after a written fee agreement and VA Form 21-22a are signed.
Educational content only — not legal advice and not medical advice. Rating criteria on this page are summarized in plain English from 38 CFR Part 4; consult VA.gov or the current Code of Federal Regulations for official criteria. This page provides general education about how the VA rates this condition; it is not individualized advice, does not establish a representation relationship, and should not be used to self-diagnose, self-treat, or decide a course of action without speaking to a qualified clinician and a VA-accredited representative. Outcomes depend on each veteran's individual facts, evidence, and the adjudicator's judgment; no specific rating, effective date, or other result is guaranteed. Oakridge Claims is a private business and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the US Department of Veterans Affairs.