Peptic ulcer disease — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 7304)
The VA rates Peptic ulcer disease under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.114, Diagnostic Code 7304, from 0% to 100% based on the frequency and functional severity of symptoms. The maximum 100% rating requires Post-operative for perforation or hemorrhage, for three months. Related conditions in the Digestive body system share this rating framework.
What are the VA rating criteria for Peptic ulcer disease?
History of peptic ulcer disease documented by endoscopy or diagnostic imaging studies
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
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
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
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”
How does the VA rate Digestive conditions?
Common Questions About Peptic ulcer disease VA Ratings
What is the VA disability rating for Peptic ulcer disease?
The VA rates Peptic ulcer disease under Diagnostic Code 7304 at the following tiers: 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.
What is Diagnostic Code 7304?
Diagnostic Code 7304 is the VA rating identifier for Peptic ulcer disease 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 Peptic ulcer disease?
The highest schedular rating for Peptic ulcer disease under DC 7304 is 100%. This tier requires: Post-operative for perforation or hemorrhage, for three months. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Peptic ulcer disease 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 Peptic ulcer disease ratings?
Peptic ulcer disease is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.114, Diagnostic Code 7304. 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 Peptic ulcer disease?
Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by Peptic ulcer disease 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 Peptic ulcer disease?
Service connection for Peptic ulcer disease 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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