C&P Exam for Irritable bowel syndrome (DC 7319)

Diagnostic code: 7319Condition: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)Regulation: 38 CFR § 4.114DBQ: DBQ GI Intestines

Which form the examiner uses

For irritable bowel syndrome (DC 7319), the C&P examiner completes the following Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ):

DBQ GI Intestines (examiner-only DBQ. Link opens VA Find-A-Form search)

DBQs are Department of Veterans Affairs Form 21-0960 series documents. Public DBQs are hosted on benefits.va.gov. A handful are examiner-only and are not posted publicly.

What the examiner records

The fields below are reproduced from the DBQ form the examiner completes for this diagnostic code. This is the structural map of the form, showing what the examiner is asked to measure, observe, and record. It is a factual reproduction of the public DBQ, not advice on how to answer.

This DBQ evaluates intestinal conditions including irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticular disease, intestinal resections, and other intestinal disorders.

DIAGNOSIS (Section I)

1A. List the claimed condition(s) that pertain to this questionnaire
1B. Select diagnoses associated with the claimed condition(s) (check all that apply): The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis associated with any claimed condition(s) listed above.
Irritable bowel syndrome — ICD Code / Date of diagnosis
Functional digestive disorder(s) (if checked, specify) — ICD Code / Date of diagnosis
Inflammatory bowel disease: Ulcerative colitis — ICD Code / Date of diagnosis
Inflammatory bowel disease: Crohn's disease — ICD Code / Date of diagnosis
Inflammatory bowel disease: Undifferentiated form of inflammatory bowel disease — ICD Code / Date of diagnosis
Chronic enteritis — ICD Code / Date of diagnosis
Diverticular disease: Diverticulitis — ICD Code / Date of diagnosis
Diverticular disease: Diverticulosis — ICD Code / Date of diagnosis
Chronic complications of small intestine surgery (without resection) (including bariatric surgery) (if checked, specify) — ICD Code / Date of diagnosis
Resection of small intestine (select one if known) — ICD Code / Date of diagnosis
Short bowel syndrome — ICD Code / Date of diagnosis
Mesenteric ischemic thrombosis — ICD Code / Date of diagnosis
Post-bariatric surgery — ICD Code / Date of diagnosis
Resection of large intestine — ICD Code / Date of diagnosis
External intestinal fistulous disease — ICD Code / Date of diagnosis
Celiac disease — ICD Code / Date of diagnosis
Gastrointestinal dysmotility syndrome — ICD Code / Date of diagnosis
Visceroptosis (downward displacement of the abdominal viscera) — ICD Code / Date of diagnosis
Malignant intestinal neoplasm (if checked, specify) — ICD Code / Date of diagnosis
Benign intestinal neoplasm (if checked, specify) — ICD Code / Date of diagnosis
Peritoneal adhesions — ICD Code / Date of diagnosis
Other intestine condition(s) (if checked, specify): Other diagnosis #1 — ICD Code / Date of diagnosis
Other intestine condition(s) (if checked, specify): Other diagnosis #2 — ICD Code / Date of diagnosis
1C. If there are additional diagnoses that pertain to intestine conditions, list using above format and complete the section(s) that best approximates the disability picture

MEDICAL HISTORY (Section II)

2A. Describe the history, including onset and course, of the Veteran's intestine condition(s). Brief summary
2B. Does the Veteran's treatment plan include taking daily prescribed medication for the diagnosed condition(s)?
If yes, list only those medications used for the diagnosed condition(s)

IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (Section III)

3A. Does the Veteran have irritable bowel syndrome, chronic enteritis, functional digestive disorder, or a similar condition?
3B. Frequency of abdominal pain related to defecation during the previous 3 months: None / At least once / At least 3 days per month / At least 1 day per week
3C. Signs or symptoms (check all that apply): Change in stool frequency
Change in stool form
Altered stool passage (straining and/or urgency)
Mucorrhea
Abdominal bloating
Subjective distention
Other, specify

INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE (Section IV)

4A. Does the Veteran have Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, undifferentiated form of inflammatory bowel disease, chronic enteritis, or a similar condition?
Managed with oral or topical agents (other than immunosuppressants or other biologic agents (if checked, list medication(s))
Managed on an outpatient basis with immunosuppressants or other biologic agents (if checked, list medication(s))
Unresponsive to treatment
Requires hospitalization at least once per year (if checked, give date and name of hospital for each recent hospitalization if known)
Results in an inability to work (if checked, discuss how condition impacts ability to work)
Recurrent abdominal pain
Daily diarrhea (if checked, indicate frequency): 3 or less episodes / 4-5 episodes / 6 or more episodes
No signs of systemic toxicity (such as fever, tachycardia, or anemia)
Signs of toxicity such as fever, tachycardia, or anemia (Check all that apply): Minimal / Intermittent / Fever / Tachycardia / Anemia / Other, specify
Recurrent abdominal distention
Recurrent episodes of rectal incontinence
Six or more episodes per day of rectal bleeding
Resulting in colectomy or colostomy (also complete Section VI and Section IX)
Peritoneal adhesions (also complete Peritoneal Adhesions questionnaire)
Other, specify

DIVERTICULAR DISEASE (Section V)

5A. Does the Veteran have diverticular disease or a similar condition?
Asymptomatic
Managed by diet and medication
Diverticular disease requiring hospitalization one or more times in the past 12 months (if checked, give date(s) and name of hospital(s) if known)
Indicate reason(s) for hospitalization below, check all that apply: Abdominal distress / Fever / Leukocytosis (elevated white blood cells) / Other, specify
Diverticular disease complications (check all that apply): Hemorrhage / Obstruction / Abscess / Peritonitis / Perforation / Other, specify
Peritoneal adhesions (also complete Peritoneal Adhesions questionnaire)
Resulting in colectomy or colostomy (also complete Section VI and Section IX)

SURGICAL PROCEDURE(S) (Section VI)

6A. Did the Veteran have surgery for an intestinal condition(s) (including bariatric surgery)? (If yes, give surgery type(s) and date(s))
Surgery type
Surgery date

CHRONIC COMPLICATIONS OF SMALL INTESTINE SURGERY (WITHOUT RESECTION) (Section VII)

7A. Does the Veteran have chronic complications of small intestine surgery (without resection) (including bariatric surgery)?
Post-operative, asymptomatic
Requiring continuous total parenteral nutrition (TPN) for a period longer than 30 consecutive days in the last six months — Start date of TPN / Completion date of TPN or anticipated date of completion
Requiring continuous tube feeding for a period longer than 30 consecutive days in the last six months — Start date of tube feeding / Completion date of tube feeding or anticipated date of completion
Vomiting (if checked, indicate frequency and if managed by medical treatment, oral dietary modification, or medication): Frequency: Less than 2 times a week / 2 or more times a week / Daily
Treatment: No treatment / Managed by ongoing medical treatment / Vomiting despite medical treatment: Oral dietary modification / Medication / Other (specify)
Watery bowel movements (if checked, indicate frequency): Less than 3 per day every day / 3-5 per day every day / 6 or more per day every day
Explosive bowel movements that are difficult to predict or control
Nausea (if checked, indicate if managed by medical treatment): Managed by ongoing medical treatment? Yes / No
Post-prandial (meal-induced) light-headedness (syncope) with sweating
Requirement for medications to specifically treat complications of upper GI surgery including dumping syndrome or delayed gastric emptying
Peritoneal adhesions (Also complete Peritoneal Adhesions questionnaire)
Discomfort or pain within an hour of eating and requiring ongoing oral dietary modification
Other symptoms, specify

RESECTION OF SMALL INTESTINE (Section VIII)

8A. Did the Veteran have resection of the small intestine (including bariatric surgery, short bowel syndrome, or mesenteric ischemic thrombosis) or currently have celiac disease with malabsorption?
Status post resection, asymptomatic
Four or more episodes of diarrhea per day
Undernutrition (see note above)
Anemia
Requiring continuous medication
Requiring prescribed oral dietary supplementation
Requiring total parenteral nutrition (TPN) (If checked, indicate frequency): Intermittent / Continuous
Short bowel syndrome that results in high-output syndrome, to include a high-output stoma (also complete Section IX)
Peritoneal adhesions (also complete appropriate Peritoneal Adhesions questionnaire)
Other symptoms, specify

RESECTION OF LARGE INTESTINE (Section IX)

9A. Did the Veteran have resection of the large intestine and/or resection of the small intestine with short bowel syndrome that results in high-output syndrome, to include a high-output stoma?
Colectomy (if checked, indicate if partial or total): Partial / Total
Permanent colostomy
Reanastomosis (reconnection of the intestinal tube)
Loss of ileocecal valve
Recurrent episodes of diarrhea (if checked, indicate frequency): Less than 4 times per day / 4 or more times per day
Without high-output syndrome
With high-output syndrome
Formation of ileostomy
More than 2 episodes of dehydration requiring intravenous hydration in the past 12 months (if checked, provide dates and location(s) if known)
Peritoneal adhesions (also complete Peritoneal Adhesions questionnaire)
Other symptoms, specify

EXTERNAL INTESTINAL FISTULOUS DISEASE (Section X)

10A. Does the Veteran have external intestinal fistulous disease?
Intermittent fecal discharge
Persistent drainage in the past 12 months (if checked, indicate frequency): more than 1 month / more than 2 months / more than 3 months
Daily discharge (if checked, indicate volume): Equivalent to 3 or less ostomy bags (130 cc) / Equivalent to 4 or more ostomy bags (130 cc)
Requiring pad changes (if checked, indicate frequency): Fewer than 10 pad changes per day / 10 or more pad changes per day
Body Mass Index (BMI) of 16 to 18 inclusive
BMI of less than 16
Requiring enteral nutrition (tube feeding)
Requiring total parenteral nutrition (TPN)
Other symptoms, specify

CELIAC DISEASE (Section XI)

11A. Does the Veteran have celiac disease or a similar condition?
Asymptomatic
Malabsorption syndrome that causes chronic diarrhea managed by medically-prescribed dietary intervention such as prescribed gluten-free diet
Malabsorption syndrome that causes weakness which interferes with activities of daily living (if checked, discuss how weakness interferes with activities of daily living)
Without nutritional deficiencies
With nutritional deficiencies due to lactase and pancreatic insufficiency
Episodes of abdominal pain and diarrhea due to lactase or pancreatic insufficiency
Systemic manifestations (check all that apply): Weakness and fatigue / Dermatitis / Lymph node enlargement / Hypocalcemia / Low vitamin levels / Other, specify
Atrophy of the inner intestinal lining shown on biopsy (discuss biopsy in Section XVI)
Weight loss resulting in wasting and nutritional deficiencies
Anemia related to malabsorption
Other symptoms, specify

GASTROINTESTINAL DYSMOTILITY SYNDROME (Section XII)

12A. Does the Veteran have gastrointestinal dysmotility syndrome, functional digestive disorder, or a similar condition?
Without evidence of structural gastrointestinal disease
Abdominal pain (if checked, indicate if intermittent below): Intermittent
Feeling of epigastric fullness
Bloating
Dyspepsia
Nausea (if checked, indicate if recurrent below): Recurrent
Vomiting (if checked, indicate if recurrent below): Recurrent
Regurgitation
Constipation
Diarrhea
Other symptom(s) of intestinal dysmotility disorder (specify)
Symptoms of chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO) (specify)
Treatment: Symptoms managed by ambulatory care
Requiring prescribed dietary management or manipulation
Recurrent emergency treatment for episodes of intestinal obstruction or regurgitation due to poor gastric emptying, abdominal pain, recurrent nausea, or recurrent vomiting — If checked, provide date(s) and location(s) if known
Requiring tube feeding for nutritional support (if checked, indicate if intermittent or continuous): Intermittent / Continuous
Requiring complete dependence on total parenteral nutrition (TPN)

VISCEROPTOSIS (Section XIII)

13A. Does the Veteran have visceroptosis?
If yes, indicate if asymptomatic or symptomatic: Asymptomatic / Symptomatic
Identify symptoms below
13B. Is the visceroptosis marked?

TUMORS AND NEOPLASMS (Section XIV)

14A. Does the Veteran currently have, or has had, a benign or malignant neoplasm or metastases related to any condition in the diagnosis section?
14B. Is the neoplasm: Benign / Malignant
If malignant: Active / In remission
Primary / Secondary (metastatic) (if secondary, indicate the primary site, if known)
14C. Has the Veteran completed treatment or is the Veteran currently undergoing treatment for a benign or malignant neoplasm or metastases? Yes / No; watchful waiting
Treatment completed
Surgery — If checked, describe / Date(s) of surgery
Radiation therapy — Date of most recent treatment / Date of completion of treatment or anticipated date of completion
Antineoplastic chemotherapy — Date of most recent treatment / Date of completion of treatment or anticipated date of completion
Other therapeutic procedure — If checked, describe procedure / Date of most recent procedure
Other therapeutic treatment — If checked, describe treatment / Date of completion of treatment or anticipated date of completion
14D. Does the Veteran currently have any residuals or complications due to the neoplasm (including metastases) or its treatment, other than those already documented in the report above?
If yes, list residuals or complications (brief summary), and also complete the appropriate questionnaire
14E. If there are additional benign or malignant neoplasms or metastases related to any of the diagnoses in the diagnosis section, describe using the above format

OTHER PERTINENT PHYSICAL FINDINGS, COMPLICATIONS, CONDITIONS, SIGNS, SYMPTOMS, AND SCARS (Section XV)

15A. Does the Veteran have any other pertinent physical findings, complications, conditions, signs or symptoms related to any conditions listed in the diagnosis section above?
If yes, describe (brief summary)
15B. Does the Veteran have any scars or other disfigurement (of the skin) related to any conditions or to the treatment of any conditions listed in the diagnosis section?

DIAGNOSTIC TESTING (Section XVI)

16A. Have clinically relevant diagnostic imaging studies or other diagnostic procedures been performed or reviewed in conjunction with this examination?
Endoscopy — Date / Results
Radiographic study(ies): MRI — Date / Results
Computed tomography (CT) scan — Date / Results
Other radiographic study, specify — Date / Results
Biopsy, specify site — Date / Results
Other diagnostic test, specify — Date / Results
16B. Has clinically relevant laboratory testing been performed or reviewed in conjunction with this examination?
CBC — Date of test / Hemoglobin / Hematocrit / White blood cell count / Platelets
Serum antibody test, specify — Date of test / Results
Other lab test, specify — Date of test / Results
16C. Are there any other clinically relevant diagnostic test findings or results related to the claimed condition(s) and/or diagnosis(es), that were reviewed in conjunction with this examination? — If yes, provide type of test or procedure, date and results (brief summary)
16D. If any test results are other than normal, indicate relationship of abnormal findings to diagnosed condition

FUNCTIONAL IMPACT (Section XVII)

17A. Regardless of the Veteran's current employment status, do the conditions listed in the diagnosis section impact his/her ability to perform any type of occupational task (such as standing, walking, lifting, sitting, etc.)?
If yes, describe the functional impact of each condition, providing one or more examples

REMARKS (Section XVIII)

18A. Remarks (if any - please identify the section to which the remark pertains when appropriate)

Rating Levels for DC 7319

The following tiers are reproduced from 38 CFR Part 4, the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities. Toggle between the official VA criteria and a Plain English explanation.

Plain-English summaries are AI-generated to explain the official criteria. The official 38 CFR language is the binding legal standard. When in doubt, ask a VSO.

Evidence cited in published BVA decisions for DC 7319

The counts below are aggregated from published Board of Veterans Appeals decisions for this diagnostic code. Each row reports how often a given evidence type was discussed in the decision text, broken down by outcome. This is a factual aggregate of the public record, not a prediction or recommendation about any specific claim.

VA examination: appeared in 74 granted decisions (26 denied, 22 remanded; 122 total)
Buddy / lay statements: appeared in 18 granted decisions (8 denied, 4 remanded; 30 total)
Private medical opinion: appeared in 13 granted decisions (4 denied, 7 remanded; 24 total)
Nexus letter: appeared in 1 granted decision (2 denied, 3 remanded; 6 total)
Service treatment records: appeared in 0 granted decisions (4 denied, 5 remanded; 9 total)
Medical literature: appeared in 0 granted decisions (2 denied, 1 remanded; 3 total)

What the Board discussed in granted decisions for DC 7319

The themes below were extracted by clustering 500 grant-factor sentences from published Board of Veterans Appeals decisions for this diagnostic code. Frequencies indicate how often each theme appeared in the sample. This is a factual aggregate of the public record, not advice or strategy for any specific claim.

32% Benefit of the doubt doctrine stated or applied generally
The Board cited the statutory benefit-of-the-doubt rule, noting that when positive and negative evidence is in approximate balance the claimant prevails, without tying the statement to a specific IBS finding.
162 of 500 sample sentences
13% Preponderance of evidence against claim; benefit of the doubt inapplicable
The Board found that the persuasive weight of evidence was against the Veteran's IBS or related claim and therefore held that the benefit-of-the-doubt doctrine did not apply.
67 of 500 sample sentences
10% Medical nexus opinion citing IBS or GI condition as service-related
A VA or private examiner opined that it was at least as likely as not that the Veteran's IBS or gastrointestinal condition was incurred in, caused by, or related to active military service.
52 of 500 sample sentences
9% Evidence found in equipoise supporting IBS or GI service connection
The Board found the lay and medical evidence at least in relative equipoise on whether the Veteran's IBS or gastrointestinal disability was incurred in or related to service, triggering a grant.
47 of 500 sample sentences
6% Benefit of the doubt applied to IBS rating level warranted
The Board resolved benefit-of-the-doubt in the Veteran's favor to find that IBS symptoms more nearly approximated a higher rating level, such as moderate or severe under Diagnostic Code 7319.
28 of 500 sample sentences
4% Secondary nexus opinion linking IBS to service-connected condition or medication
An examiner opined that the Veteran's IBS or bowel condition was at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability or its prescribed medications.
22 of 500 sample sentences
4% Examiner request or remand order for at-least-as-likely-as-not IBS opinion
The Board or AOJ directed an examiner to opine whether an IBS or gastrointestinal condition was at least as likely as not incurred in, caused by, or related to service or a service-connected disability.
22 of 500 sample sentences
4% Board applied benefit of the doubt to specific rating period or effective date
Resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor, the Board assigned or extended a specific disability rating percentage for a defined period on appeal for an IBS or bowel disability.
21 of 500 sample sentences
3% Persian Gulf War undiagnosed illness or MUCMI basis for IBS grant
The Board found IBS or chronic GI symptoms qualified as a medically unexplained chronic multisymptom illness or undiagnosed illness related to Gulf War or Southwest Asia service, supporting a grant.
14 of 500 sample sentences
3% Credible lay evidence and symptom continuity noted in IBS or GI determination
The Board noted the Veteran's credible lay statements regarding persistent IBS or gastrointestinal symptoms since service as a factor in finding the evidence in equipoise or supporting the claim.
13 of 500 sample sentences
2% Benefit of the doubt applied to TDIU or unemployability finding
The Board applied the benefit-of-the-doubt doctrine to find that service-connected disabilities, including IBS, rendered the Veteran unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.
8 of 500 sample sentences
1% Negative nexus opinion or inadequate opinion noted in IBS determination
The Board noted an examiner's negative or inadequate nexus opinion regarding IBS or a gastrointestinal condition as part of the evidentiary weighing process.
6 of 500 sample sentences

Disclaimer: This page reproduces public Department of Veterans Affairs forms (DBQs) and verbatim text from 38 CFR Part 4 (the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities). It is informational only and is not legal or medical advice. For guidance on a specific claim, contact a VA-accredited representative.