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IBS (bowel problems)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

What it is

IBS is a long-term gut problem that causes belly pain tied to bowel movements, plus changes like diarrhea, constipation, or bloating.

VA's code numbers for this: 7319

What the examiner will do

Who does it: A VA doctor or a VA contract examiner. VA's exam page (updated Aug 15, 2025) names four contract companies: Loyal Source Government Services, OptumServe Health Services, Leidos QTC Health Services, and Veterans Evaluation Services (VES). (LHI is an older name; it is now part of OptumServe.) You can't pick which one. Answer every call or letter about scheduling.

  • Usually a VA or contract doctor, NP, or PA. Often 15-30 minutes.
  • They ask how often you have pain, how it relates to bowel movements, diarrhea or constipation, urgency, bloating, medicines, and food triggers. They may press on your belly.

Tests, in plain words

Mostly your history
IBS is usually diagnosed by symptoms after other problems are ruled out. Your log is key.
'Mucorrhea'
Mucus (slimy stuff) in your stool.
'Subjective distension'
Your belly feels swollen or tight, even if it doesn't look it.
Gulf War note
IBS and other 'functional' gut disorders can be presumptive for Gulf War Veterans (38 CFR 3.317).

The examiner fills out a form called a DBQ. You can read it ahead of time: Intestinal Conditions DBQ (opens VA's site).

The rating levels, in plain words

VA picks the level that best matches how often and how badly the condition affects you.

  • 10%

    In the last 3 months, belly pain tied to bowel movements at least once, PLUS at least 2 of these: going more or less often, stool looks different, straining or rushing to the toilet, mucus in stool, bloating, or a swollen-feeling belly.

    VA's exact words

    Abdominal pain related to defecation at least once during the previous three months; and two or more of the following: (1) change in stool frequency, (2) change in stool form, (3) altered stool passage (straining and/or urgency), (4) mucorrhea, (5) abdominal bloating, or (6) subjective distension

    Rule: 38 CFR 4.114, DC 7319

  • 20%

    Same as above, but the pain happens at least 3 days a month over the last 3 months.

    VA's exact words

    Abdominal pain related to defecation for at least three days per month during the previous three months; and two or more of the following: (1) change in stool frequency, (2) change in stool form, (3) altered stool passage (straining and/or urgency), (4) mucorrhea, (5) abdominal bloating, or (6) subjective distension

    Rule: 38 CFR 4.114, DC 7319

  • 30%

    Same as above, but the pain happens at least 1 day every week over the last 3 months. 30% is the top level.

    VA's exact words

    Abdominal pain related to defecation at least one day per week during the previous three months; and two or more of the following: (1) change in stool frequency, (2) change in stool form, (3) altered stool passage (straining and/or urgency), (4) mucorrhea, (5) abdominal bloating, or (6) subjective distension

    Rule: 38 CFR 4.114, DC 7319

What to track before your exam

What to write down: Every day for 3 months: pain linked to a bowel movement, and which of the 6 symptoms you had.

How: VA looks back 3 months, so log daily for 90 days. A simple checkmark grid works.

Your log: what to write each time

  1. Date
  2. Belly pain tied to a bowel movement? (Y/N)
  3. # of bowel movements
  4. Stool type (hard / normal / loose / watery)
  5. Straining or urgent rush?
  6. Mucus?
  7. Bloating?
  8. Belly felt swollen?
  9. Accidents or missed plans/work?

Tap Print this page to get a blank log sheet and your exam-day checklist on paper.

Exam-day checklist

Tick each one off. Nothing you tick is saved or sent anywhere.

What to bring: Bring a photo ID, your list of medicines and doses, your home log, and any new private records you have not sent to VA yet. VA says you don't have to bring anything, but your notes help you remember. A spouse or caregiver may come along. VA says you can ask the examiner if they can stay in the room. The examiner may ask them to wait outside.

Tell the examiner

Honest exam rules

  • Tell the whole truth. Don't add to it. Don't shrink it.
  • Describe a normal day AND your worst days. Say how often the worst days happen.
  • Answer the question you were asked. Skip the habit of saying 'I'm fine' or 'it's not that bad' when it is.
  • It's OK to read from your log or notes. Hand the examiner a copy if they will take it.
  • Don't act out symptoms or guess at numbers. If you don't know or can't remember, say so.
  • If something hurts or makes you worse during the exam, say so right then.
  • Fraud warning: knowingly giving VA false information is a federal crime (18 U.S.C. 1001) and can cost you all your benefits (38 U.S.C. 6103). Honest, complete answers protect you.

Common mistakes

  • Using the old IBS rules you read online (mild / moderate / severe). Those ended May 19, 2024. The new rules count pain days.

    Where this comes from: 89 FR 19735; 38 CFR 4.114 DC 7319

  • No log, so you can't say how many pain days a month.

    Where this comes from: 38 CFR 4.114, DC 7319

  • Expecting IBS and some other gut ratings to add together. Several digestive codes (including 7319) can't be combined; VA picks the main one and may raise it one level.

    Where this comes from: 38 CFR 4.114 introductory text

Questions to ask together

A spouse, grown child or friend can read these out loud. Talk about each one before the exam, so nothing gets left out.

  1. In the last 3 months, how many days a week did you have belly pain tied to going to the bathroom?
  2. Do you go more or less often than you used to? Has your stool changed?
  3. Do you have to rush to the bathroom or strain?
  4. Do you get bloated or feel swollen?
  5. Have you missed work or plans because of it?

Rule changes you may hear about

Today's rules (above) are what VA uses unless a change is final.

  • Final: this is now the rule

    IBS rules were rewritten in the 2024 digestive update.

    Where it stands: FINAL, effective May 19, 2024.

    89 FR 19735 (Mar 20, 2024), RIN 2900-AQ90

Sources

Checked against VA's rules on October 30, 2026.

Helping The Brave doesn't file or prepare claims. This guide is free education, not medical or legal advice. The VA examiner measures and VA decides your rating.