Esophagus, stricture of — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 7203)

The VA rates Esophagus, stricture of under Diagnostic Code 7203 at the following tiers: 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).

Diagnostic Code 7203 is the VA rating identifier for Esophagus, stricture of 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.

The highest schedular rating for Esophagus, stricture of under DC 7203 is 80%. This tier 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). Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Esophagus, stricture of alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions may also qualify for TDIU at the 100% compensation rate under 38 CFR § 4.16.

Esophagus, stricture of is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.114, Diagnostic Code 7203. This section is part of the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and can be read in full at the eCFR website.

Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by Esophagus, stricture of may be ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. Veterans should work with a VSO or accredited claims agent to document the medical relationship.

Service connection for Esophagus, stricture of 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.