Peptic ulcer disease
The VA rates Peptic ulcer disease under Diagnostic Code 7304 across 5 severity levels, from 0% to 100%. The applicable level depends on the full criteria and the evidence for the condition. These percentages are alternatives, not amounts to add together.
Rating schedule — DC 7304 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 0%
- Maximum rating
- 100%
- Rating tiers
- 5
- CFR section
- § 4.114
- Body system
- Digestive System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
Full schedular disability
0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 100%
Where this code is published
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Peptic ulcer disease?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | History of peptic ulcer disease documented by endoscopy or diagnostic imaging studies |
| 20% | Episodes of abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting, that: last for at least three consecutive days in duration; occur three times or less in the past 12 months; and are managed by daily prescribed medication |
| 40% | Episodes of abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting, that: last for at least three consecutive days in duration; occur four or more times in the past 12 months; and are managed by daily prescribed medication |
| 60% | Continuous abdominal pain with intermittent vomiting, recurrent hematemesis (vomiting blood) or melena (tarry stools); and manifestations of anemia which require hospitalization at least once in the past 12 months |
| 100% | Post-operative for perforation or hemorrhage, for three months |
“Episodes of abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting, that: last for at least three consecutive days in duration; occur four or more times in the past 12 months; and are managed by daily prescribed medication”
What other digestive conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Peptic ulcer disease in 38 CFR Part 4. The rating schedule is ordered anatomically, so neighbouring codes usually cover the same joint, organ, or system, and a claim often involves more than one of them.
- 7205Esophagus, diverticulum of, acquiredRated up to 80%
- 7206Gastroesophageal reflux diseaseRated up to 80%
- 7207Barrett's esophagusRated up to 80%
- 7301Peritoneum, adhesions of, due to surgery, trauma, disease, or infectionRated up to 80%
- 7303Chronic complications of upper gastrointestinal surgeryRated up to 80%
- 7305Duodenal UlcerRated up to 60%
- 7307Gastritis, chronicRated up to 0%
- 7309Stomach, stenosis ofRated up to 0%
- 7310Stomach, injury of, residualsRated up to 0%
- 7311Residuals of injury of the liverRated up to 0%
What to do with a Peptic ulcer disease rating
The tools, regulations and guides that pick up where the criteria above leave off.
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- The VA C&P Exam Explained: Before, During, and AfterA VA C&P exam helps VA decide service connection and your rating. Here is what happens before, during, and after, plus how to request your exam report.
- VA Service Connection Evidence 101: The Three-Legged StoolFor an original claim tied to active-duty service, VA needs a current disability, an in-service event, and a link between them. Here is what each part takes.
- VA Math Explained: How Combined Disability Ratings Really WorkVA ratings do not add. Learn how 38 CFR 4.25 combines disabilities using whole-person efficiency, why 50 and 30 round to 70, and how the bilateral factor works.
- TDIU: 100 Percent VA Pay Without a 100 Percent RatingTDIU pays the 100% VA compensation rate without a 100% rating. See the percentage paths, the extraschedular route under 38 CFR 4.16(b), and how work affects it.
- P&T vs 100% VA Disability: What Is the Difference?Permanent and total (P&T) and a 100 percent VA rating are not the same thing. Here is what total, permanent, and protected each mean, and what P&T unlocks.
Common Questions About Peptic ulcer disease VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Peptic ulcer disease?
The VA rates Peptic ulcer disease under Diagnostic Code 7304 at 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 100%. The minimum 0% rating requires: History of peptic ulcer disease documented by endoscopy or diagnostic imaging studies. The maximum 100% rating requires: Post-operative for perforation or hemorrhage, for three months.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Peptic ulcer disease?
The VA rates Peptic ulcer disease under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7304, published in 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 0% and a 100% rating for Peptic ulcer disease?
A 0% rating requires: History of peptic ulcer disease documented by endoscopy or diagnostic imaging studies. A 100% rating requires: Post-operative for perforation or hemorrhage, for three months. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Peptic ulcer disease qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 100% rating for Peptic ulcer disease 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 Peptic ulcer disease?
The key evidence for Peptic ulcer disease 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 Peptic ulcer disease?
The C&P examiner uses a Digestive System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 7304 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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