Gallbladder Disease VA Rating

Overview

Acute episodes are managed clinically; the rating is based on chronic residuals.

Post-cholecystectomy bile flow problems (diarrhea, malabsorption) drive the post-op rating.

Gallstone formation alone is not ratable without functional impairment.

In Depth

Gallbladder disease in VA's schedule is rated under 38 CFR § 4.114, primarily Diagnostic Code 7314 (chronic cholecystitis) and Diagnostic Code 7318 (cholecystectomy residuals). Acute cholecystitis is a medical event treated clinically; the rating attaches to chronic residuals or post-surgical sequelae.

DC 7314 (chronic cholecystitis): 10% for mild symptoms (occasional RUQ pain, dietary intolerance), 30% for severe (frequent attacks of gallbladder colic). Symptoms must be objectively documented through imaging (ultrasound showing wall thickening, HIDA scan showing reduced ejection fraction) and clinical notes.

DC 7318 (post-cholecystectomy): 0% for asymptomatic post-op state, 10% for mild residuals (bile salt diarrhea, dyspepsia), 30% for severe residuals (frequent post-cholecystectomy syndrome attacks with abdominal pain, diarrhea, and malabsorption). VA examiners frequently default to 0% — counter-evidence requires documented GI follow-up.

Gallstone formation alone (cholelithiasis without symptoms) is not ratable. The condition must produce functional impairment to receive a compensable rating.

Common secondary pathways: chronic NSAID use for service-connected musculoskeletal conditions can contribute to gallbladder dysfunction; rapid weight loss from a service-connected condition (or treatment) is a documented gallstone trigger; obesity secondary to a service-connected condition that limits mobility may also support secondary service connection.

How to Establish Service Connection

• Direct: documented in-service onset.
• Secondary to obesity, diabetes, or rapid weight changes from a service-connected condition.

Rating Criteria

Paraphrased from 38 CFR § 4.114, Diagnostic Codes 7314 / 7318

See what each percentage pays in 2026 and how it combines with your current rating →

Evidence Checklist

• Imaging (ultrasound, HIDA scan).
• Operative report (if cholecystectomy performed).
• GI specialist notes documenting residuals.

Evidence Templates

Common formats of evidence the VA looks for in this type of claim. These describe what the documents typically include — they are not legal forms or medical opinions, and Oakridge Claims does not draft them.

Evidence VA Commonly Cites in These Claims

Descriptive summary of evidence types frequently referenced in rating decisions for this condition. Not a checklist of actions to take — every claim is decided on its own facts.

• ★For DC 7314 ratings, obtain GI specialist notes that document attack frequency, severity, and dietary restrictions — not just the diagnosis.
• ★For post-cholecystectomy claims, request the operative report and any subsequent GI workup. Post-cholecystectomy syndrome is under-diagnosed; symptoms often appear weeks to months after surgery.
• ★Bile salt diarrhea after cholecystectomy is a recognized residual. A trial of cholestyramine that resolves symptoms is strong objective evidence.
• ★If claiming secondary to NSAID use, document the service-connected condition, the long-term NSAID prescription, and any GI specialist note linking the medication to gallbladder dysfunction.

Illustrative Scenarios

These are hypothetical educational examples — not actual case results, predictions, or guarantees of outcomes.

Common pitfalls VA sees

• Filing only after the gallbladder is removed and assuming asymptomatic post-op equals 0% forever — many veterans develop post-cholecystectomy syndrome months later and never refile.
• Submitting only ER records from the acute episode and no follow-up documentation of chronic residuals.
• Missing secondary connection pathways (chronic NSAID use, rapid weight loss from another SC condition).
• Confusing gallstones (anatomic finding) with cholecystitis (symptomatic disease) — only the latter is ratable.

Common Secondary Conditions

Conditions frequently service-connected as secondary to Gallbladder Disease:

Frequently Asked Questions