Reference: 38 CFR 4.114, DC 7314

Sources & Related Guides

What is the VA rating for Cholelithiasis (Gallstones)?

Evaluated based on frequency of biliary colic attacks, localized epigastric/RUQ pain, indigestion, jaundice, and post-cholecystectomy residuals.

Condition Overview & Clinical Scope

Evaluated based on frequency of biliary colic attacks, localized epigastric/RUQ pain, indigestion, jaundice, and post-cholecystectomy residuals.

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Explore Cholelithiasis (Gallstones) Criteria & Tools

Start AssessmentAnswer condition-scoped questions using documented findings from your records or exam notes.ContinuePercentage GuideSee the published percentage tiers and what changes between them.ContinueSecondary ConditionsSee conditions commonly connected to this one in VA claims.Continue

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Common Questions & FAQs

Start with your question

What are you trying to understand about cholelithiasis (gallstones)?

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Overview

About this condition

Evaluated based on frequency of biliary colic attacks, localized epigastric/RUQ pain, indigestion, jaundice, and post-cholecystectomy residuals.

Regulatory authority: 38 CFR 4.114, DC 7314

This guide provides regulatory reference criteria under 38 CFR Part 4. RatingScope does not provide medical diagnoses or predict adjudicative outcomes.

Percentage Guides

Understanding Your Percentage

Select a pathway to see what the published criteria ask about, what records may clarify it, and what should not be assumed.

30%

Highest listed pathway

Severe: frequent attacks of gallstone colic with infection, jaundice, or indigestion.

What separates the next level: Highest compensable evaluation defined under this diagnostic code.

Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence
Official CFR language
38 CFR 4.114, DC 7314 establishes the 30% evaluation criteria.
What the published criteria say
Medical records must document the specific functional findings and clinical thresholds corresponding to the 30% level.
Examples
Veteran has clinical documentation demonstrating the 30% criteria under 38 CFR 4.114, DC 7314.
Medical evidence
Gallbladder & Pancreas DBQ (VA Form 21-0960G-2); Clinical treatment progress notes; Diagnostic testing reports
Functional impact examples
Documented impairment affecting daily physical or occupational performance.
Common misconceptions
A clinical diagnosis alone without documented severity does not guarantee a compensable rating.
Related topics
cholelithiasis; 38 CFR Part 4; DC 7314

10%

Next: 30%

Moderate: occasional attacks of epigastric pain and indigestion, or post-surgical digestive residuals.

What separates the next level: Differs from the 30% tier based on frequency, objective test measurements, or treatment intensity.

Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence
Official CFR language
38 CFR 4.114, DC 7314 establishes the 10% evaluation criteria.
What the published criteria say
Medical records must document the specific functional findings and clinical thresholds corresponding to the 10% level.
Examples
Veteran has clinical documentation demonstrating the 10% criteria under 38 CFR 4.114, DC 7314.
Medical evidence
Gallbladder & Pancreas DBQ (VA Form 21-0960G-2); Clinical treatment progress notes; Diagnostic testing reports
Functional impact examples
Documented impairment affecting daily physical or occupational performance.
Common misconceptions
A clinical diagnosis alone without documented severity does not guarantee a compensable rating.
Related topics
cholelithiasis; 38 CFR Part 4; DC 7314

0%

Next: 10%

Nonsymptomatic gallstones documented on imaging without acute colic or digestive impairment.

What separates the next level: Differs from the 10% tier based on frequency, objective test measurements, or treatment intensity.

Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence
Official CFR language
38 CFR 4.114, DC 7314 establishes the 0% evaluation criteria.
What the published criteria say
Medical records must document the specific functional findings and clinical thresholds corresponding to the 0% level.
Examples
Veteran has clinical documentation demonstrating the 0% criteria under 38 CFR 4.114, DC 7314.
Medical evidence
Gallbladder & Pancreas DBQ (VA Form 21-0960G-2); Clinical treatment progress notes; Diagnostic testing reports
Functional impact examples
Documented impairment affecting daily physical or occupational performance.
Common misconceptions
A clinical diagnosis alone without documented severity does not guarantee a compensable rating.
Related topics
cholelithiasis; 38 CFR Part 4; DC 7314

Learn

Understand the details behind the criteria

Use these short guides to connect published terms with the records and observations that may clarify them.

Biliary colic frequency, surgical removal, and post-cholecystectomy residuals

Gallstone disease is evaluated on the frequency of painful biliary colic attacks and digestive symptoms, or on persistent residuals following surgical removal of the gallbladder.

  • Before surgery, evaluations examine the frequency and severity of gallbladder attacks requiring medical intervention or hospitalization.
  • Following cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), many veterans achieve symptom relief, while others experience post-cholecystectomy syndrome with persistent diarrhea, nausea, or bile reflux.
  • Residual digestive symptoms following surgery are evaluated based on their severity and impact on nutritional status.

Records to review: Abdominal ultrasound or CT imaging confirming gallstones or gallbladder inflammation; Emergency room and surgical records detailing biliary colic attacks and cholecystectomy; Postoperative gastroenterology records documenting persistent digestive symptoms.

Evidence

Evidence that may clarify the published criteria

Cholelithiasis (Gallstones) DBQ

The DBQ organizes diagnosis and clinical findings for Cholelithiasis (Gallstones).

A DBQ is useful context, but RatingScope does not require uploads and this hub does not accept records.

Diagnosis and treatment records

Treatment notes can show the current condition, course over time, therapy, and clinician observations.

A diagnosis alone does not identify which percentage pathway applies.

VA forms and DBQs (from VA.gov)

Downloadable DBQs & Supporting Claim Forms

The public DBQ shows the kinds of findings an examiner may record. A veteran may review it, or may share it with a private clinician, before a C&P exam. RatingScope does not tell any person what to submit.

Terminology

Plain-English terms

Common Questions

Questions veterans commonly ask

How is Cholelithiasis (Gallstones) evaluated?

Evaluated based on frequency of biliary colic attacks, localized epigastric/RUQ pain, indigestion, jaundice, and post-cholecystectomy residuals.

What separates the 30% rating from adjacent levels?

Highest compensable evaluation defined under this diagnostic code.

What separates the 10% rating from adjacent levels?

Differs from the 30% tier based on frequency, objective test measurements, or treatment intensity.

What separates the 0% rating from adjacent levels?

Differs from the 10% tier based on frequency, objective test measurements, or treatment intensity.

Related Conditions

Continue learning through connected topics

Ready when you are

Cholelithiasis (Gallstones) is evaluated under the Liver Conditions assessment

RatingScope compares Cholelithiasis (Gallstones) records using the published criteria in the Liver Conditions assessment. Compare your documented records against the criteria.

Informational guidance only. RatingScope does not predict, decide, or guarantee VA outcomes.

Compare records in the Liver Conditions assessment

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Continue Understanding

External source/reference

38 CFR 4.97, DC 7314

Official regulation source for Cholelithiasis (Gallstones). Use the official source for current rule text.

Open 38 CFR 4.97, DC 7314

Secondary conditions

Conditions commonly connected to Cholelithiasis (Gallstones)

No commonly documented secondary connections are tracked for Cholelithiasis (Gallstones) yet.

Educational Guides & Evidence Resources

In-depth analysis of DBQ forms, medical evidence thresholds, and rating schedules for Cholelithiasis (Gallstones).

VA Digestive System Rating Combination Rules: 38 CFR 4.114 Non-Combination and Predominant Disability Picture

Master the specific non-combination rule in 38 CFR 4.114 governing digestive diagnostic codes, predominant disability picture, single step elevation, and anti-pyramiding.

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Related Tools

Compare a percentage level and combined-rating math, or review evidence context.

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VA Math & Combined Ratings

Understand the whole-person method, final rounding, and bilateral limits, then calculate how percentages combine.

Open VA Math guide

Evidence Center

Understand common evidence categories and what they can clarify without treating them as a checklist.

Open Evidence Center