DC 7356Digestive System38 CFR § 4.114

Gastrointestinal dysmotility syndrome

The VA rates Gastrointestinal dysmotility syndrome under Diagnostic Code 7356 across 4 severity levels, from 10% to 80%. At 80%, veterans receive $3151/month or more in compensation.

Rating schedule — DC 7356 at a glance

Minimum rating
10%

Lowest schedular rating available

Maximum rating
80%

TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%

Rating tiers
4

10%, 30%, 50%, 80%

CFR section
§ 4.114

Part 4 rating schedule

Body system
Digestive System
Secondary conditions
0

None mapped

What are the VA rating criteria for Gastrointestinal dysmotility syndrome?

RatingCriteria
10%

Intermittent abdominal pain with epigastric fullness associated with bloating; and without evidence of a structural gastrointestinal disease

30%

With symptoms of chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO) or symptoms of intestinal motility disorder, including but not limited to, abdominal pain, bloating, feeling of epigastric fullness, dyspepsia, nausea and vomiting, regurgitation, constipation, and diarrhea, managed by ambulatory care; and requiring prescribed dietary management or manipulation

50%

Requiring intermittent tube feeding for nutritional support; with recurrent emergency treatment for episodes of intestinal obstruction or regurgitation due to poor gastric emptying, abdominal pain, recurrent nausea, or recurrent vomiting

80%

Requiring complete dependence on total parenteral nutrition (TPN) or continuous tube feeding for nutritional support

Requiring intermittent tube feeding for nutritional support; with recurrent emergency treatment for episodes of intestinal obstruction or regurgitation due to poor gastric emptying, abdominal pain, recurrent nausea, or recurrent vomiting

Common Questions About Gastrointestinal dysmotility syndrome VA Ratings

What is the VA rating range for Gastrointestinal dysmotility syndrome?

The VA rates Gastrointestinal dysmotility syndrome under Diagnostic Code 7356 at 10%, 30%, 50%, 80%. The minimum 10% rating requires: Intermittent abdominal pain with epigastric fullness associated with bloating; and without evidence of a structural gastrointestinal disease. The maximum 80% rating requires: Requiring complete dependence on total parenteral nutrition (TPN) or continuous tube feeding for nutritional support.

Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Gastrointestinal dysmotility syndrome?

The VA rates Gastrointestinal dysmotility syndrome under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7356, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.114. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.

What is the difference between a 10% and a 80% rating for Gastrointestinal dysmotility syndrome?

A 10% rating requires: Intermittent abdominal pain with epigastric fullness associated with bloating; and without evidence of a structural gastrointestinal disease. A 80% rating requires: Requiring complete dependence on total parenteral nutrition (TPN) or continuous tube feeding for nutritional support. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.

Can Gastrointestinal dysmotility syndrome qualify for TDIU?

Yes — a 80% rating for Gastrointestinal dysmotility syndrome 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 Gastrointestinal dysmotility syndrome?

The key evidence for Gastrointestinal dysmotility syndrome 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 Gastrointestinal dysmotility syndrome?

The C&P examiner uses a Digestive System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 7356 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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