An autoimmune disorder where eating gluten triggers immune damage to the small intestine lining, impairing nutrient absorption.
To support a diagnosis, your records should include results of an appropriate serum antibody test (such as tissue transglutaminase or endomysial antibody tests) or a report from an endoscopy with biopsy confirming celiac disease. Without one of those, no rating can be assigned.
For the 30% level, medical records showing a physician-prescribed gluten-free diet and a pattern of chronic diarrhea tied to gluten exposure are central. Lab work showing normal nutritional levels would reflect the absence of deficiencies at this tier.
For the 50% level, lab results documenting nutritional deficiencies, such as low calcium, low vitamin levels, or evidence of lactase or pancreatic insufficiency, strengthen a claim at this level. A biopsy report noting atrophy of the inner intestinal lining (villous atrophy) directly matches one of the listed criteria. Records of systemic findings such as dermatitis, lymph node enlargement, or documented weakness and fatigue also correspond to this tier.
For the 80% level, records showing significant weight loss, wasting, anemia with a documented connection to malabsorption, and treatment notes or specialist reports describing weakness that affects your daily activities are relevant. Statements from you or people who know you describing how these symptoms affect your ability to work, care for yourself, or carry out everyday tasks can help show the functional impact.
Conditions that are often caused or made worse by this one. If you have any of these, they may be claimable as secondary service connection.
