For years, veterans with Celiac Disease faced confusion and inconsistency when applying for VA disability benefits. Many were rated under unrelated digestive codes, while others were denied altogether despite severe symptoms and long-term health consequences.
That changed on May 19, 2024, when the VA introduced Diagnostic Code (DC) 7355, officially recognizing Celiac Disease as its own ratable condition. As of 2026, this update continues to reshape how claims are evaluated and how much compensation veterans can receive.
Under the new rules, veterans may now qualify for VA disability ratings between 30% and 80%, depending on symptom severity, nutritional impact, and daily functional limitations.
As VA disability expert Brian Reese explains,
“Celiac disease is no longer treated as a secondary digestive issue. The VA now recognizes it as a serious autoimmune condition with systemic consequences.”
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Overview: VA Rating for Celiac Disease (DC 7355)
| Rating Level | Key Criteria |
|---|---|
| 80% | Severe malabsorption, weight loss with wasting, nutritional deficiencies, systemic manifestations |
| 50% | Malabsorption with chronic diarrhea, nutritional deficiencies, biopsy-confirmed intestinal damage |
| 30% | Chronic diarrhea controlled by prescribed gluten-free diet, no nutritional deficiencies |
| Effective Date | May 19, 2024 (applies in 2026) |
| Diagnostic Code | DC 7355 |
What Is Celiac Disease?
Celiac Disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder triggered by the ingestion of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When individuals with celiac disease consume gluten, their immune system attacks the lining of the small intestine, leading to inflammation and long-term damage.
This damage interferes with the absorption of essential nutrients such as iron, calcium, vitamin D, and B vitamins. Over time, untreated or poorly managed celiac disease can cause systemic health complications, not just digestive symptoms.
A VA medical consultant notes,
“Celiac disease affects far more than digestion it impacts energy, bone health, neurological function, and immune stability.”
Symptoms of Celiac Disease in Veterans
Symptoms can vary widely and may appear gastrointestinal or non-gastrointestinal.
Common digestive symptoms include:
- Chronic diarrhea
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Bloating and gas
- Constipation
- Nausea
Non-digestive symptoms may include:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Iron-deficiency anemia
- Bone or joint pain
- Skin rashes (dermatitis herpetiformis)
- Headaches or numbness
- Mood changes and brain fog
Because symptoms are diverse, many veterans go undiagnosed for years.
VA Disability Rating Criteria for Celiac Disease
The VA now evaluates celiac disease exclusively under DC 7355, with three compensable rating levels.
80% VA Disability Rating for Celiac Disease
Who Qualifies?
Veterans with severe malabsorption syndrome that significantly disrupts daily life.
Required Criteria
- Malabsorption with weakness interfering with activities of daily living
- Weight loss resulting in wasting and nutritional deficiencies
- Systemic manifestations such as:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Dermatitis
- Lymph node enlargement
- Hypocalcemia
- Low vitamin levels
- Anemia related to malabsorption
- Episodes of abdominal pain and diarrhea due to lactase deficiency or pancreatic insufficiency
A gastroenterology specialist explains,
“At this level, the disease impacts multiple body systems, not just digestion.”
50% VA Disability Rating for Celiac Disease
Who Qualifies?
Veterans with ongoing malabsorption and documented nutritional deficiencies despite dietary management.
Required Criteria
- Malabsorption syndrome
- Chronic diarrhea
- Managed by a medically prescribed gluten-free diet
- Nutritional deficiencies due to:
- Lactase deficiency
- Pancreatic insufficiency
- Systemic manifestations, including:
- Fatigue
- Dermatitis
- Hypocalcemia
- Low vitamin levels
- OR biopsy-confirmed atrophy of the intestinal lining
A VA claims reviewer states,
“Biopsy evidence combined with dietary restrictions and nutrient deficiencies often supports a 50% rating.”
30% VA Disability Rating for Celiac Disease
Who Qualifies?
Veterans whose symptoms are controlled through diet but still experience chronic digestive disruption.
Required Criteria
- Malabsorption syndrome
- Chronic diarrhea
- Managed by a medically prescribed gluten-free diet
- No documented nutritional deficiencies
This is the minimum compensable rating for celiac disease.
Eligibility Rules for VA Disability Due to Celiac Disease
To qualify, veterans must meet standard VA disability requirements:
- Confirmed Diagnosis
- Serum antibody testing or
- Endoscopy with biopsy
- Service Connection
- Direct service connection
- Secondary service connection
- Aggravation by service
- Presumptive conditions (if applicable)
- Documented Symptoms
- Medical records
- Lab results
- Treatment history
- Lay statements describing daily impact
Payment Impact for Veterans
A higher VA rating for celiac disease can significantly increase monthly compensation and unlock additional benefits, including:
- Higher tax-free monthly payments
- Priority VA healthcare access
- Eligibility for TDIU if work capacity is affected
- Secondary claims for anemia, osteoporosis, or neurological issues
What If You Already Have a VA Rating for Celiac Disease?
Veterans already service-connected for celiac disease are grandfathered under previous criteria.
Important protections include:
- No automatic reductions
- Ratings only reduced if sustained improvement is shown
- Pending claims reviewed under both old and new criteria, with the most favorable applied
A VA policy advisor confirms,
“Veterans are protected from losing benefits due solely to regulatory changes.”
Why Filing Now Matters?
Veterans filing claims today benefit from:
- Clear diagnostic standards
- Higher minimum ratings
- Symptom-based evaluations
- Stronger medical recognition of autoimmune impact
Waiting could delay compensation that veterans are already entitled to receive.
Final Thought
The introduction of DC 7355 represents a major victory for veterans with celiac disease. For the first time, the VA fully recognizes the condition’s autoimmune nature, systemic impact, and long-term consequences.
Whether you are filing a new claim, seeking an increase, or appealing a denial, understanding the updated criteria is critical. Veterans who document symptoms carefully and submit strong medical evidence are now in a much better position to receive fair compensation.
As Brian Reese puts it,
“Celiac disease is no longer invisible to the VA veterans just need to claim it the right way.”
FAQs
What is the minimum VA rating for celiac disease?
The minimum compensable rating is 30%.
Can celiac disease be rated at 80%?
Yes, for severe malabsorption with systemic complications.
Do I need a biopsy to qualify?
Yes, diagnosis must be confirmed by antibody testing or biopsy.
Will my old rating be reduced?
No, unless medical improvement is clearly shown.
Does a gluten-free diet affect my rating?
Yes, dietary control is considered, but symptoms and deficiencies still matter.
