Duodenal Ulcer
The VA rates Duodenal Ulcer under Diagnostic Code 7305 across 4 severity levels, from 10% to 60%. The 60% maximum means additional ratings through secondary conditions or combined ratings are critical for higher compensation.
Rating schedule — DC 7305 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 10%
- Maximum rating
- 60%
- Rating tiers
- 4
- CFR section
- Part 4, DC 7305
- Body system
- Digestive System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
10%, 20%, 40%, 60%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Duodenal Ulcer?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Duodenal ulcer: Mild with less than one attack per year; or with slight impairment of health; or with slight weight loss; or with slight exacerbations of epigastric distress and vomiting less than once per month. |
| 20% | Duodenal ulcer: Moderate with one or two attacks per year, each of two to four weeks duration; or with impairment of health manifested by weight loss; or with anemia; or with recurrent epigastric distress with dysphagia; or with pyrosis; or with regurgitation. |
| 40% | Duodenal ulcer: Moderately severe with recurring attacks averaging one every two months with each lasting two to four weeks; or with impaired health with anemia, weight loss, strength loss, pain not wholly relieved by standard treatments; or with two or more hospitalizations in the past year. |
| 60% | Duodenal ulcer: Severe with recurrent incapacitating episodes averaging more than once a month of two to four weeks duration; or with prolonged episodes of total disability; or with weight loss of 20% or more from baseline; or complications (hemorrhage, perforation, obstruction requiring surgery). |
“Duodenal ulcer: Moderately severe with recurring attacks averaging one every two months with each lasting two to four weeks; or with impaired health with anemia, weight loss, strength loss, pain not wholly relieved by standard treatments; or with two or more hospitalizations in the past year.”
Common Questions About Duodenal Ulcer VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Duodenal Ulcer?
The VA rates Duodenal Ulcer under Diagnostic Code 7305 at 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%. The minimum 10% rating requires: Duodenal ulcer: Mild with less than one attack per year; or with slight impairment of health; or with slight weight loss; or with slight exacerbations of epigastric distress and vomiting less than once per month.. The maximum 60% rating requires: Duodenal ulcer: Severe with recurrent incapacitating episodes averaging more than once a month of two to four weeks duration; or with prolonged episodes of total disability; or with weight loss of 20% or more from baseline; or complications (hemorrhage, perforation, obstruction requiring surgery)..
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Duodenal Ulcer?
The VA rates Duodenal Ulcer under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7305, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR Part 4, DC 7305. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 10% and a 60% rating for Duodenal Ulcer?
A 10% rating requires: Duodenal ulcer: Mild with less than one attack per year; or with slight impairment of health; or with slight weight loss; or with slight exacerbations of epigastric distress and vomiting less than once per month.. A 60% rating requires: Duodenal ulcer: Severe with recurrent incapacitating episodes averaging more than once a month of two to four weeks duration; or with prolonged episodes of total disability; or with weight loss of 20% or more from baseline; or complications (hemorrhage, perforation, obstruction requiring surgery).. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Duodenal Ulcer qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 60% rating for Duodenal Ulcer alone meets the single-disability threshold for TDIU (38 CFR § 4.16). If the condition prevents substantially gainful employment, the veteran is compensated at the 100% rate without a schedular 100% rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Duodenal Ulcer?
The key evidence for Duodenal Ulcer is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. Treatment records showing worsening symptoms, functional limitations documented by your provider, and buddy statements describing observable impact on daily life all strengthen the claim. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.
What happens at the C&P exam for Duodenal Ulcer?
The C&P examiner uses a Digestive System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 7305 rating criteria. The examiner documents symptom frequency, severity, and functional impact. Bring all treatment records and describe your worst days, not your best — the VA rates on the full clinical picture across time, not a snapshot of one good day.
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