Celiac Disease VA Ratings Explained

On May 19, 2024, the VA officially assigned celiac disease its own diagnostic code: 7355. Before this update, the VA capped disability ratings for celiac disease at 30%, regardless of how severe the symptoms were; with the new rating schedule, veterans can now be rated at 30%, 50%, or 80%. 

Despite increased awareness, the rate of undiagnosed cases in the U.S. remains high, with many individuals going years before receiving a confirmed diagnosis. Research shows that untreated or poorly managed celiac disease can lead to chronic inflammation, malabsorption, neurological damage, infertility, and even increased cancer risks. These complications can cause major disruption in a veteran’s work life, personal relationships, and long-term health. 

By assigning celiac disease a dedicated diagnostic code, the VA has provided a clearer path to seeking appropriate compensation for the challenges disabled veterans face every day. It also opens the door for re-evaluation if their condition was previously underrated or denied.  

How the VA Rates Celiac Disease 

The VA assigns disability ratings of 30%, 50%, or 80% for service-connected celiac disease, depending on how the condition affects day-to-day life. The rating is based on how often symptoms occur, how severe they are, how long they last, and how much they interfere with the ability to work, socialize, and manage daily responsibilities.  

• 80%: Malabsorption syndrome with weakness which interferes with activities of daily living; and weight loss resulting in wasting and nutritional deficiencies; and with systemic manifestations including but not limited to, weakness and fatigue, dermatitis, lymph node enlargement, hypocalcemia, low vitamin levels; and anemia related to malabsorption; and episodes of abdominal pain and diarrhea due to lactase deficiency or pancreatic insufficiency 
• 50%: Malabsorption syndrome with chronic diarrhea managed by medically prescribed dietary intervention such as prescribed gluten-free diet, with nutritional deficiencies due to lactase and pancreatic insufficiency; and with systemic manifestations including, but not limited to, weakness and fatigue, dermatitis, lymph node enlargement, hypocalcemia, low vitamin levels, or atrophy of the inner intestinal lining shown on biopsy 
• 30%: Malabsorption syndrome with chronic diarrhea managed by medically prescribed dietary intervention such as prescribed gluten-free diet; and without nutritional deficiencies    

For instance, a veteran with occasional symptoms that respond well to treatment may qualify for a 30% rating. However, if symptoms are frequent, disruptive, or lead to serious health issues like malnutrition or hospitalization, the rating may increase to 50% or even 80%. These levels are meant to reflect how significantly celiac disease can impact veterans differently. 

If you were rated for celiac disease before May 19, 2024, the VA won’t automatically adjust your rating. But you can submit a new claim to have your condition evaluated under the updated diagnostic criteria. This may help you secure a higher disability rating (up to 80%) and increased compensation.

What Rating Criteria Is the VA Using for Pending Claims? 

If you filed a VA disability claim for service-connected celiac disease before May 19, 2024, the VA will review your claim  using the rating system that results in the most favorable outcome for you. That means if the updated rating schedule introduced in May 2024 provides a higher disability percentage or better benefits, the VA should use the new criteria even if your claim was submitted under the old rules. 

This review process ensures that veterans with pending claims aren’t penalized just because they filed before the diagnostic code change went into effect. 

If you’re unsure which version of the criteria is being used in your case or if your condition wasn’t rated fairly the first time, it may be worth consulting with a VA-accredited representative or legal team to make sure your claim gets the highest rating.   

How to Win VA Disability for Celiac Disease 

To get your VA disability claim for service-connected celiac disease approved, you must provide clear, thorough evidence that meets the VA’s three main requirements:  

• A current, confirmed medical diagnosis of celiac disease
• A link between your military service and the onset or worsening of the disease
• Ongoing symptoms or complications that affect your ability to function in everyday life

Meeting these criteria takes careful documentation from both your medical providers and your military records. 

Documentation Requirements 

Strong documentation is the foundation of a successful claim. Start with medical records that clearly confirm the diagnosis. Most claims will require: 

• Blood tests that show elevated levels of tissue transglutaminase antibodies (tTG-IgA), endomysial antibodies (EMA), or deamidated gliadin peptides (DGP). 
• A small intestine biopsy confirming villous atrophy, crypt hyperplasia, or other damage related to gluten exposure. 
• Treatment records that show how long you’ve been on a gluten-free diet and whether symptoms continue despite that. 
• Medical notes that describe flare-ups, gastrointestinal distress, weight changes, fatigue, or secondary conditions like nutrient deficiencies or joint pain. 

The VA also looks for consistency. Make sure your symptoms and treatment history are documented across multiple appointments over time. Any gaps or missing follow-up care may lead the VA to question the severity or persistence of your condition. 

In addition to medical records, submit military documentation that helps establish a timeline. This might include:  

• Service treatment records showing when you first reported abdominal issues, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss. 
• Deployment or occupational exposure documentation, especially if you served in high-stress environments, hazardous areas, or in places where your immune system may have been compromised. 
• Post-deployment health assessments that mention gastrointestinal symptoms or the start of a restrictive diet. 

If your military medical records are limited, statements from fellow service members or supervisors who witnessed your symptoms or dietary restrictions may help strengthen your case.

Establishing Service Connection 

There are three main ways to prove that your celiac disease is connected to your military service. 

Direct Service Connection 

This is the most straightforward route. You’ll need evidence that symptoms started, or a diagnosis was made while you were on active duty. If your military health records show early signs such as chronic stomach pain, diarrhea, unexplained weight loss, or repeated requests for dietary adjustments, you’ll have a stronger case. 

Even if you weren’t formally diagnosed during service, you may still qualify if you can show that symptoms started then but weren’t properly recognized or diagnosed until later. 

Secondary Service Connection 

Celiac disease can sometimes develop as a result of, or be worsened by, another condition that is already rated by the VA. For example, veterans who have service-connected IBS, Gulf War Illness, chronic stress disorders, or autoimmune diseases may be able to argue that those conditions contributed to the onset or aggravation of celiac disease. 

To support a secondary claim, you’ll need a medical nexus opinion from a qualified provider stating it’s “at least as likely as not” that the primary service-connected condition caused or worsened your celiac disease. The clearer and more detailed the rationale, the better your chances. 

Aggravation of a Preexisting Condition 

If you had celiac disease before joining the military, you can still qualify if you can show that military service made it worse. For example, the stress of deployment, lack of access to gluten-free food, or repeated gastrointestinal infections during service may have intensified your symptoms. Again, a medical opinion explaining how your condition worsened due to service is essential. 

Possible Environmental Causes You Can Claim 

Exposure to Toxins 

Service members may be exposed to a range of harmful substances during deployments, training, or occupational duties. These include: 

• Burn pits
• Chemical agents
• Industrial solvents
• Pesticides
• Heavy metals 

Research suggests that exposure to environmental toxins can alter immune system function and contribute to the onset or progression of autoimmune disorders, including celiac disease. If your service involved documented exposure to hazardous materials, it may strengthen your claim that celiac disease was service-related. 

Extreme or Chronic Stress 

Military service, especially during combat or prolonged deployments, places a heavy toll on both the body and mind. Chronic stress is known to disrupt immune responses and impact the digestive system. 

In genetically predisposed individuals, extreme stress may act as a triggering event, activating the immune system in a way that causes or worsens celiac disease. Veterans who experienced high-stress roles, such as combat arms, intelligence, or special operations, may have a stronger case if their symptoms began during or shortly after service.

Gulf War Illness or IBS

Veterans from the Gulf War era frequently report chronic gastrointestinal issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), unexplained diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. These conditions often share overlapping symptoms with celiac disease, and some medical experts believe immune system dysfunction caused by environmental exposures may underlie both. 

If you already have a service-connected diagnosis for Gulf War Illness or IBS and later develop celiac disease, it may qualify as a secondary condition. In this case, a medical opinion explaining how your existing GI condition may have led to the development or aggravation of celiac disease can be a valuable part of your claim. 

It’s not always easy to draw a direct connection between military service and celiac disease. The condition often goes undiagnosed for years, and symptoms can mimic other gastrointestinal disorders. However, that doesn’t mean a claim is impossible. 

Celiac disease may also serve as the primary condition in a secondary claim, especially if it worsens other service-connected issues. For example, veterans with celiac disease may suffer from related complications like anemia, osteoporosis, or neurological symptoms, which could raise their overall disability rating if documented and properly linked. 

Claiming Secondary Conditions 

Celiac disease doesn’t just affect the digestive system; it can cause a ripple effect across many parts of the body. If you’ve already been granted service connection for celiac disease, you may be eligible for additional disability compensation by filing for conditions that were caused or worsened by it. 

These are called secondary service-connected conditions. To win a secondary claim, you need two things:  

1. A medical diagnosis of the secondary condition, and 
2. A medical nexus, a doctor’s statement or medical opinion showing that the condition is “at least as likely as not” related to your service-connected celiac disease. 

By filing for secondary conditions, you may not only improve your total VA disability rating, but also ensure you’re being compensated for the full impact celiac disease has had on your health and quality of life. 

Below are common secondary conditions linked to celiac disease and what evidence may be needed to support a claim for each. 

Anemia and Vitamin Deficiencies 

Celiac disease damages the small intestine, which interferes with nutrient absorption. This often leads to iron deficiency anemia, as well as low levels of vitamin D, B12, folate, and calcium.  

If anemia or deficiencies remain even after a strict gluten-free diet, they may qualify for a separate disability rating. To support this claim, include: 

• Lab results showing low iron, hemoglobin, or vitamin levels 
• Records of ongoing fatigue, dizziness, or pale skin 
• Documentation of treatment, such as iron supplements or B12 injections 

Skin Rashes (Dermatitis Herpetiformis) 

This painful, blistering rash is a skin manifestation of celiac disease. It often appears on the elbows, knees, buttocks, or back and is extremely itchy. Unlike typical eczema or hives, dermatitis herpetiformis is directly tied to gluten sensitivity. 

Because this is a distinct medical condition, it may be rated separately from your celiac disease claim. You should provide: 

• Dermatology reports or skin biopsies confirming the diagnosis
• Photos of flare-ups
• Prescriptions for treatments like dapsone or topical steroids 

Joint Pain 

Chronic inflammation caused by untreated celiac disease may lead to joint pain or arthritis-like symptoms. The pain often affects the knees, back, and wrists. To support this as a secondary condition, you’ll need: 

• Dermatology reports or skin biopsies confirming the diagnosis
• Photos of flare-ups
• Prescriptions for treatments like dapsone or topical steroids 

VA ratings may depend on the severity of pain, loss of motion, and how often symptoms flare. 

Headaches 

Some veterans with celiac disease suffer from recurrent migraines or tension headaches, especially during gluten exposure or flare-ups. These headaches may stem from vitamin deficiencies, inflammation, or neurological impacts tied to celiac disease. 

The VA evaluates headaches under a specific rating code, and severe, frequent migraines may qualify for a compensable rating. To file a secondary claim: 

• Track the frequency, duration, and severity of your headaches 
• Submit medical records or neurologist evaluations 
• Include prescriptions or ER visits related to headache treatment  

Mental Health Conditions 

Living with celiac disease can take a serious toll on mental health. The chronic pain, dietary restrictions, social limitations, and fear of cross-contamination often contribute to depression or anxiety. If you’ve been diagnosed with either:  

• Provide mental health records linking symptoms to your physical health struggles 
• Submit therapy notes, psychiatric evaluations, or prescriptions for antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications 
• Ask your provider to include a nexus statement tying your condition to the limitations caused by celiac disease   

Mental health conditions are rated separately and could significantly increase your total VA disability compensation. 

Osteoporosis 

Because celiac disease prevents proper absorption of calcium and vitamin D, many veterans develop low bone density or osteoporosis. Over time, this can increase the risk of fractures, chronic pain, and mobility issues.  

Osteoporosis may be rated based on the presence of fractures or functional loss. Evidence to include: 

• Bone density scans (DEXA) 
• Orthopedic evaluations or fracture history 
• Endocrinologist statements linking osteoporosis to celiac-related malabsorption  

Infertility 

Although less common, untreated celiac disease can affect reproductive health in both men and women. It may lead to hormonal imbalances, irregular menstrual cycles, or reduced sperm quality. 

Because infertility affects quality of life, it may be considered for compensation under specific circumstances. To claim infertility as a secondary condition: 

• Include records from a reproductive specialist or OB-GYN 
• Submit any relevant hormone panels or fertility assessments 
• Ask your doctor to explain how nutrient deficiencies or autoimmune activity may be responsible  

Neurological Manifestations 

Celiac disease can also impact the nervous system. Veterans may experience symptoms such as: 

• Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet (peripheral neuropathy) 
• Cognitive fog or memory problems 
• Coordination issues   

Neurological conditions are evaluated under their own rating codes and can significantly raise your total disability rating if properly documented. To build a strong claim: 

• Provide a neurology workup, including EMG or nerve conduction studies if available 
• Track and describe how symptoms affect your daily functioning 
• Request a nexus opinion stating how these issues stem from celiac-related inflammation or malabsorption  

Rating Increases and Appeals 

If you’ve received a low disability rating for service-connected celiac disease—or your claim was denied altogether—you’re not out of options. Many veterans get shortchanged because of missing documentation, unclear connections to service, or outdated evaluation criteria. 

Your celiac claim may have been denied or underrated for several reasons:  

• Lack of a confirmed diagnosis (especially if you didn’t submit biopsy or blood test results) 
• Inconsistent medical treatment, such as long gaps between doctor visits 
• Missing evidence showing a service connection 
• Confusion between celiac disease and similar conditions, like IBS or GERD 
• Outdated rating issued before the new criteria took effect in May 2024   

If any of these apply to your claim, you may still have a path forward either through an appeal or by filing a new claim under the updated guidelines. 

Appealing a VA decision can be complex, and each case is different. Hill & Ponton’s legal team focuses on VA disability claims and knows how to gather the right evidence, develop strong medical arguments, and meet strict deadlines. Our lawyers may be able to help if:  

• Your rating doesn’t reflect how serious your symptoms are 
• Your secondary conditions weren’t properly evaluated 
• You need a medical nexus opinion to prove your case   

Appeal Options

• Higher-Level Review: A senior VA officer reviews your claim based on the evidence of record (without any new evidence). This is useful if you think the VA made an error using the facts already submitted. 
• Supplemental Claim: You can submit new evidence like updated medical records, a nexus letter, or a new diagnosis. This is helpful if your initial filing  was missing key documents. 
• Board Appeal: Your claim goes to a Veterans Law Judge. You can submit evidence, request a hearing, or let the judge review your file directly based on the evidence of record.   

Each path has time limits and requirements, so it’s important to pick the right one based on your situation. Veterans working with experienced legal help often have a better chance of success, especially during appeal reviews. 

Applying for a New Rating after May 2024 

If your current VA rating for celiac disease was assigned before May 19, 2024, it was based on the old schedule and the VA won’t automatically update it. But you can file a new claim asking to be evaluated under the revised system with the new rating levels: 30%, 50%, or 80%. 

If your symptoms have worsened over time or if the new criteria better reflect your daily limitations, this could result in a higher rating and more compensation. 

Is 100% VA Disability for Celiac Disease Possible? 

While the maximum schedular rating for service-connected celiac disease is 80%, some veterans may still qualify for 100% VA disability compensation through a program called Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU). 

TDIU is meant for veterans who can’t maintain substantially gainful employment due to their service-connected conditions, even if those conditions are rated below 100%. 

TDIU allows the VA to pay you at the 100% rate, even if your combined rating is less. To qualify, you must a) have one service-connected condition rated at 60% or higher, OR b) have two or more service-connected conditions with at least one rated at 40%, and a combined rating of 70% or more.

If celiac disease is your primary disability, and it prevents you from holding a steady job, you may be eligible for TDIU especially if it also leads to secondary conditions like: 

• Chronic fatigue 
• Anemia 
• Severe mental health issues 
• Frequent hospitalizations 
• Strict dietary restrictions that make regular work impossible    

Some veterans experience serious daily limitations due to celiac disease. For example, you may: 

• Spend hours each day managing symptoms like diarrhea or stomach pain 
• Miss work regularly due to flare-ups or medical appointments 
• Be unable to eat food in most workplace settings due to risk of gluten exposure 
• Struggle with social isolation or anxiety that limits job performance     

These challenges may not show up on a lab report, but they have a real impact. That’s why it’s important to explain, in detail, how your condition affects your ability to earn a living. Medical records, personal statements, and employer letters can all support a TDIU claim. 

If you believe your celiac disease or any related conditions are keeping you from working full-time, you may qualify for TDIU and full VA compensation. But applying for TDIU can be complicated and often requires carefully prepared evidence. That’s where Hill & Ponton lawyers can step in.  

You served. You sacrificed. Now it’s time to get the benefits you’ve earned. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.