Chronic complications of upper gastrointestinal surgery — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 7303)
The VA rates Chronic complications of upper gastrointestinal surgery under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.114, Diagnostic Code 7303, from 0% to 80% based on the frequency and functional severity of symptoms. The maximum 80% rating requires Requiring continuous total parenteral nutrition (TPN) or tube feeding for a period longer than 30 consecutive days in the last six months. Related conditions in the Digestive body system share this rating framework.
What are the VA rating criteria for Chronic complications of upper gastrointestinal surgery?
Post-operative status, asymptomatic
With either nausea or vomiting managed by ongoing medical treatment
With two or more of the following symptoms: (1) vomiting two or more times per week or vomiting despite medical treatment; (2) discomfort or pain within an hour of eating and requiring ongoing oral dietary modification; (3) three to five watery bowel movements per day every day
Any one of the following symptoms with or without pain: (1) daily vomiting despite oral dietary modification or medication; (2) six or more watery bowel movements per day every day, or explosive bowel movements that are difficult to predict or control; (3) post-prandial (meal-induced) light-headedness (syncope) with sweating and the need for medications to specifically treat complications of upper gastrointestinal surgery such as dumping syndrome or delayed gastric emptying
Requiring continuous total parenteral nutrition (TPN) or tube feeding for a period longer than 30 consecutive days in the last six months
“With two or more of the following symptoms: (1) vomiting two or more times per week or vomiting despite medical treatment; (2) discomfort or pain within an hour of eating and requiring ongoing oral dietary modification; (3) three to five watery bowel movements per day every day”
How does the VA rate Digestive conditions?
Common Questions About Chronic complications of upper gastrointestinal surgery VA Ratings
What is the VA disability rating for Chronic complications of upper gastrointestinal surgery?
The VA rates Chronic complications of upper gastrointestinal surgery under Diagnostic Code 7303 at the following tiers: 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 80%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Post-operative status, asymptomatic. The maximum 80% rating requires: Requiring continuous total parenteral nutrition (TPN) or tube feeding for a period longer than 30 consecutive days in the last six months.
What is Diagnostic Code 7303?
Diagnostic Code 7303 is the VA rating identifier for Chronic complications of upper gastrointestinal surgery within 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.114. It defines the specific symptom criteria and percentage thresholds a VA adjudicator uses to assign a disability rating. The diagnostic code is listed on a veteran's rating decision letter.
What is the highest rating for Chronic complications of upper gastrointestinal surgery?
The highest schedular rating for Chronic complications of upper gastrointestinal surgery under DC 7303 is 80%. This tier requires: Requiring continuous total parenteral nutrition (TPN) or tube feeding for a period longer than 30 consecutive days in the last six months. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Chronic complications of upper gastrointestinal surgery alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions may also qualify for TDIU at the 100% compensation rate under 38 CFR § 4.16.
What 38 CFR section governs Chronic complications of upper gastrointestinal surgery ratings?
Chronic complications of upper gastrointestinal surgery is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.114, Diagnostic Code 7303. This section is part of the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and can be read in full at the eCFR website.
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Chronic complications of upper gastrointestinal surgery?
Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by Chronic complications of upper gastrointestinal surgery may be ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. Veterans should work with a VSO or accredited claims agent to document the medical relationship.
What evidence do I need to establish service connection for Chronic complications of upper gastrointestinal surgery?
Service connection for Chronic complications of upper gastrointestinal surgery requires three elements: (1) a current diagnosis of the condition, (2) an in-service event, injury, or disease that may have caused or aggravated it, and (3) a medical nexus connecting the current diagnosis to that in-service event. A nexus letter from a treating physician or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence. C&P exam findings can also establish nexus if adequately documented.
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