VA Disability Rating for Gallbladder Removal Complications (DC 7318)
Diagnostic Code 7318 · 38 CFR §4.114
What Is It?
This code covers the lasting effects of having your gallbladder surgically removed (cholecystectomy). Without a gallbladder, bile flows continuously into the small intestine rather than being stored and released on demand. This can cause chronic diarrhea — especially after fatty meals — bloating, abdominal cramping, and a condition called bile acid malabsorption. Many veterans need gallbladder removal during or after service due to gallstones, gallbladder inflammation, or abdominal trauma. While doctors often say you can live fine without a gallbladder, many veterans experience ongoing digestive problems for years afterward.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 30% | Recurrent abdominal pain (post-prandial or nocturnal); and chronic diarrhea characterized by three or more watery bowel movements per day. |
| 10% | Intermittent abdominal pain; and diarrhea characterized by one to two watery bowel movements per day. |
| 0% | Asymptomatic. |
Evidence Needed
- Surgical records documenting the cholecystectomy procedure
- Post-operative treatment records showing ongoing digestive symptoms
- Records of medications prescribed for post-removal symptoms (bile acid sequestrants, anti-diarrheal medications)
- Documentation of dietary modifications required since the surgery
- Lab results if bile acid malabsorption testing has been done
- Records showing how frequently diarrhea and other symptoms occur
C&P Exam Tips
- Give the examiner a count of watery bowel movements on a typical day — DC 7318 is written in movements per day, and three or more a day versus one to two a day is what separates the two compensable levels
- Describe how urgently you need to find a bathroom after eating and how that affects your work and social life
- Report all medications you take for digestive symptoms including over-the-counter remedies
- Explain the dietary restrictions you follow and what happens when you eat foods your system cannot handle
- Describe the abdominal pain — location, frequency, and what triggers it
- Do not downplay your symptoms — many veterans normalize ongoing problems because they were told the surgery would fix everything
How to File
File under DC 7318 for the complications that follow gallbladder removal — the code covers what the removal leaves behind, such as strictures and biliary leaks, rather than the operation itself. Include your surgical records and all post-operative treatment records showing ongoing symptoms. If the gallbladder was removed during service, the service connection is straightforward. If removed after service due to a condition that started in service, you will need a nexus letter linking the gallbladder disease to your service.
Common Mistakes
Accepting 0% because the surgery was successful Not reporting chronic diarrhea Not taking bile acid sequestrants to trial
Frequently Asked Questions
Is gallbladder removal always rated at just 10%?
No. DC 7318 assigns 30, 10 or 0 percent, and both compensable levels require two findings together, not one. Thirty percent takes recurrent abdominal pain — post-prandial or nocturnal — and chronic diarrhea of three or more watery bowel movements per day. Ten percent takes intermittent abdominal pain and diarrhea of one to two watery movements per day. Pain on its own does not reach either level, and neither does diarrhea on its own, so count the watery movements on a typical day and record them alongside the pain.
I had my gallbladder removed years after service. Can I still file?
Yes, if you can show that gallbladder disease began during or was caused by your service. Medical records showing gallbladder symptoms or gallstones during service, even if surgery happened later, can establish the connection. A nexus letter from a doctor explaining the link is very helpful.