VA Disability Rating for Ulcerative Colitis
Rated 10–100%. Goes to 100% for pronounced disease with serious complications and marked malnutrition.
Ulcerative colitis (DC 7323) is rated by severity of disease, frequency of attacks, and impact on health. Unlike many digestive conditions, UC can rate up to 100% for severe pronounced disease with marked malnutrition, debility, and serious complications.
Rating tiers + 2026 monthly compensation
| Rating | Monthly (2026, single vet) | Criteria (summary) |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 | Moderate — with infrequent exacerbations. |
| 30% | $552.47 | Moderately severe — with frequent exacerbations. |
| 60% | $1,435.02 | Severe — with numerous attacks a year and malnutrition, health only fair during remissions. |
| 100% | $3,938.58 | Pronounced — resulting in marked malnutrition, anemia, and general debility, OR with serious complications such as liver abscess. |
Dollar amounts reflect the 2.5% COLA effective 2025-12-01 for single veterans with no dependents. Add spouse + children for 30%+ ratings via the estimator.
What this means in dollars
- →At 10%: $180.42/mo · $2,165/year, tax-free
- →At 30%: $552.47/mo · $6,630/year, tax-free
- →At 60%: $1,435.02/mo · $17,220/year, tax-free
- →At 100%: $3,938.58/mo · $47,263/year, tax-free
How to get rated for ulcerative colitis
- Colonoscopy + biopsy confirming UC.
- Treatment records — biologic therapy, hospitalizations, surgeries.
- Lab work for malnutrition, anemia, inflammation markers (CRP, ESR).
- Document attack frequency and duration.
Common secondary conditions
- +Anemia
- +Arthritis (extra-intestinal IBD manifestation)
- +Depression
- +Colorectal cancer (long-term UC)
File these separately. VA rates each service-connected condition independently and combines them via § 4.25.
Nexus tips
- Gulf War / Iraq / Afghanistan service: chronic GI illness may qualify under 38 CFR § 3.317 (functional GI disorder presumption).
- In-service GI symptom onset is the strongest direct nexus.
Frequently asked
I had a colectomy for UC and no longer have flares. Am I still rated?
Yes — post-colectomy is rated under DC 7329 (resection of large intestine), and any ostomy is rated under DC 7332. Plus residual malabsorption and any extra-intestinal complications stack.
Ready to act on this?
Get a full rating estimate across your conditions, or draft the nexus letter your doctor needs to sign.
Related conditions
This page summarizes public rating criteria from 38 CFR Part 4. It is not legal or medical advice. Actual VA ratings depend on C&P exam findings, records review, and rater discretion.