Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) VA Ratings

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a disorder affecting the large intestine and can cause pain, diarrhea, stomach cramping, constipation, or gas.  While the exact cause of IBS is unknown, associated triggers of symptoms include stress and certain eating habits. IBS affects over 286,000 service-connected veterans, making it one of the most common digestive diseases among former servicemembers, according to VA’s 2024 Annual Benefits Report.

VA disability ratings for IBS range from 10 to 20 to 30 percent, depending on the severity of symptoms.

The criteria for each VA IBS rating are as follows:

• 10 percent: The veteran experiences abdominal pain at least once as a result of defecation during the previous three months. Additionally, they must experience two or more other symptoms of IBS. These symptoms are stool frequency changes, stool form changes, straining or urgency, mucorrhea, and subjective distension.
• 20 percent: The veteran experiences abdominal pain at least three days per month as a result of defecation during the previous three months, along with two or more symptoms as noted above.
• 30 percent: The veteran experiences abdominal pain at least once per week as a result of defecation during the previous three months, along with two or more symptoms as noted above.

Non-compensable ratings, or 0 percent ratings, can still be applied if the above rating criteria are not met.