VA Disability Rating for Chronic Cholecystitis (DC 7314)
Diagnostic Code 7314 · 38 CFR §4.114
What Is It?
Chronic cholecystitis is long-term inflammation of the gallbladder, usually caused by repeated episodes of gallstones irritating the gallbladder wall. Veterans may develop this condition due to dietary changes during deployment, stress, rapid weight fluctuations common during service transitions, or as a secondary effect of other service-connected conditions. Symptoms include recurring upper-right abdominal pain especially after fatty meals, nausea, bloating, and episodes of severe pain known as biliary colic that can last hours.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 30% | Three or more clinically documented attacks of right upper quadrant pain with nausea and vomiting during the past 12 months; or requiring dilatation of biliary tract strictures at least once during the past 12 months. |
| 10% | One or two clinically documented attacks of right upper quadrant pain with nausea and vomiting in the past 12 months. |
| 0% | Asymptomatic, without history of a clinically documented attack of right upper quadrant pain with nausea and vomiting in the past 12 months. |
Evidence Needed
- Ultrasound or CT scan results showing gallbladder inflammation, thickening, or gallstones
- HIDA scan results if gallbladder function is impaired
- Treatment records documenting recurring episodes of biliary colic
- Emergency room records for severe attacks
- Documentation of dietary restrictions and their impact on daily life
- Records of any medications prescribed to manage symptoms
C&P Exam Tips
- Describe the frequency, duration, and severity of your gallbladder attacks
- Explain what triggers attacks — specific foods, stress, or other factors
- Report any emergency room visits for severe episodes
- Describe the dietary restrictions you follow to prevent attacks
- Mention any fever, jaundice, or other complications you have experienced
- Explain how the unpredictable attacks affect your ability to work and plan daily activities
How to File
File under DC 7314 for chronic cholecystitis. Include ultrasound or other imaging showing gallbladder disease, along with treatment records documenting your recurring episodes. If you believe the condition is connected to your service, include a nexus letter. If it developed secondary to another service-connected condition, file as a secondary claim.
Common Mistakes
Waiting too long to file before having gallbladder removed Not documenting the frequency of attacks Dismissing symptoms as just indigestion
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the VA pay for gallbladder removal surgery?
If your chronic cholecystitis is service-connected, the VA will cover the surgery. After removal, your rating will be re-evaluated under DC 7318 — complications of cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), such as strictures and biliary leaks.
What happens to my rating if I have my gallbladder removed?
Your gallbladder disease is re-evaluated under DC 7318, on the complications that follow the removal. A temporary 100 percent convalescent rating under 38 CFR 4.30 is possible but it is not automatic: it is assigned only where the report at hospital discharge or outpatient release establishes that the surgery needed at least a month of convalescence or left severe postoperative residuals, and it then runs 1, 2 or 3 months from the first day of the month after release. Once that period ends — or straight away if none is granted — the VA rates the digestive problems that persist after the removal.