Esophageal motility disorder
The VA rates Esophageal motility disorder under Diagnostic Code 7204 across 5 severity levels, from 0% to 80%. At 80%, veterans receive $3151/month or more in compensation.
Rating schedule — DC 7204 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 0%
- Maximum rating
- 80%
- Rating tiers
- 5
- CFR section
- § 4.114, DC 7204 (rated as DC 7203)
- Body system
- Digestive System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 80%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Esophageal motility disorder?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Documented history without daily symptoms or requirement for daily medications Note: DC 7204 (esophageal motility disorder) is rated as esophagus, stricture of (DC 7203) under 38 CFR § 4.114, effective May 19, 2024, on the DC 7203 tiers (0/10/30/50/80, maximum 80 percent). Once service connection is established, a documented history without daily symptoms or a daily medication requirement warrants a noncompensable 0 percent evaluation. |
| 10% | Documented history of esophageal stricture(s) that requires daily medications to control dysphagia otherwise asymptomatic |
| 30% | Documented history of recurrent esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia which requires dilatation no more than 2 times per year |
| 50% | Documented history of recurrent or refractory esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia which requires at least one of the following (1) dilatation 3 or more times per year, (2) dilatation using steroids at least one time per year, or (3) esophageal stent placement |
| 80% | Documented history of recurrent or refractory esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia with at least one of the symptoms present: (1) aspiration, (2) undernutrition, and/or (3) substantial weight loss as defined by § 4.112(a) and treatment with either surgical correction or percutaneous esophago-gastrointestinal tube (PEG tube) Note: 80 percent is the maximum for esophageal motility disorder, rated as DC 7203. This tier requires BOTH the complication picture (aspiration, undernutrition, or substantial weight loss per § 4.112(a)) AND treatment with surgical correction or a PEG tube. (The qualifier "of esophageal stricture(s)" appears only in DC 7206, not here.) |
“Documented history of recurrent esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia which requires dilatation no more than 2 times per year”
Common Questions About Esophageal motility disorder VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Esophageal motility disorder?
The VA rates Esophageal motility disorder under Diagnostic Code 7204 at 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 80%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Documented history without daily symptoms or requirement for daily medications. The maximum 80% rating requires: Documented history of recurrent or refractory esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia with at least one of the symptoms present: (1) aspiration, (2) undernutrition, and/or (3) substantial weight loss as defined by § 4.112(a) and treatment with either surgical correction or percutaneous esophago-gastrointestinal tube (PEG tube).
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Esophageal motility disorder?
The VA rates Esophageal motility disorder under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7204, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7204 (rated as DC 7203). The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 0% and a 80% rating for Esophageal motility disorder?
A 0% rating requires: Documented history without daily symptoms or requirement for daily medications. A 80% rating requires: Documented history of recurrent or refractory esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia with at least one of the symptoms present: (1) aspiration, (2) undernutrition, and/or (3) substantial weight loss as defined by § 4.112(a) and treatment with either surgical correction or percutaneous esophago-gastrointestinal tube (PEG tube). The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Esophageal motility disorder qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 80% rating for Esophageal motility disorder 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 Esophageal motility disorder?
The key evidence for Esophageal motility disorder 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 Esophageal motility disorder?
The C&P examiner uses a Digestive System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 7204 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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