Celiac disease

Celiac disease is a VA-ratable condition under diagnostic code 7355 in the Digestive System category. Maximum rating: 80%.

Rating Criteria

Rating Criteria
80% Malabsorption syndrome **WITH** weakness which interferes with activities of daily living; **AND** weight loss resulting in wasting and nutritional deficiencies; **AND** with systemic manifestations including but not limited to, weakness and fatigue, dermatitis, lymph node enlargement, hypocalcemia, low vitamin levels; **AND** anemia related to malabsorption; **AND** episodes of abdominal pain and diarrhea due to lactase deficiency or pancreatic insufficiency.
50% Malabsorption syndrome **WITH** chronic diarrhea managed by medically-prescribed dietary intervention such as prescribed gluten-free diet, **WITH** nutritional deficiencies due to lactase and pancreatic insufficiency; **AND** with systemic manifestations including, but not limited to, weakness and fatigue, dermatitis, lymph node enlargement, hypocalcemia, low vitamin levels, or atrophy of the inner intestinal lining shown on biopsy.
30% Malabsorption syndrome **WITH** chronic diarrhea managed by medically-prescribed dietary intervention such as prescribed gluten-free diet.

Filing Tips

Pro Tip: The VA won't connect the dots for you. That's your job. Build the paper trail before you file.

Gather medical evidence showing a current diagnosis of this condition.

Document in-service events, injuries, or exposures that caused or aggravated this condition.

Consider a nexus letter from a medical professional linking your condition to service.

Review the rating criteria for DC 7355 to understand what symptoms warrant higher ratings.