★ Digestive
Ulcerative Colitis VA Rating
38 CFR § 4.114, Diagnostic Code 7323
Overview
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease — distinguished from IBS by structural inflammation.
Pulse-treatment with biologics, frequency of flares, and lab evidence of malnutrition all factor into rating.
How to Establish Service Connection
- Direct: in-service onset or autoimmune trigger.
- Many post-9/11 veterans report new IBD diagnoses linked to deployment exposures (advocacy is ongoing).
Rating Criteria
Paraphrased from 38 CFR § 4.114, Diagnostic Code 7323
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Moderate, with infrequent exacerbations. |
| 30% | Moderately severe, with frequent exacerbations. |
| 60% | Severe, with numerous attacks a year and malnutrition, with health only fair during remissions. |
| 100% | Pronounced, resulting in marked malnutrition, anemia, and general debility, or with serious complication as liver abscess. |
See what each percentage pays in 2026 and how it combines with your current rating →
Evidence Checklist
- Colonoscopy with biopsy.
- GI specialist notes.
- Medication history (mesalamine, biologics, steroids).
- Lab values for anemia and nutrition.
Common Secondary Conditions
Conditions frequently service-connected as secondary to Ulcerative Colitis:
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a Ulcerative Colitis 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.