Digestive System§ 4.114Updated
Rating criteria

VA Diagnostic Code 7204Esophageal motility disorder:

Rated from 0% to 80% under § 4.114. Here is what the VA requires at each level.

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Not the right code?

In short

Summary

Rate as esophagus, stricture of (DC 7203).

The ladder

What each rating requires

The VA assigns the highest level your evidence actually supports. Read up the stack until your records stop matching.

  1. 80%

    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)

  2. 50%

    Documented history of recurrent or refractory esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia which requires at least one of the following (1) dilatation 3 or more times per year, (2) dilatation using steroids at least one time per year, or (3) esophageal stent placement

  3. 30%

    Documented history of recurrent esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia which requires dilatation no more than 2 times per year

  4. 10%

    Documented history of esophageal stricture(s) that requires daily medications to control dysphagia otherwise asymptomatic

  5. 0%

    Documented history without daily symptoms or requirement for daily medications

How it is applied

General rating formula

Rate as Esophagus, stricture of: (DC 7203)

From the schedule

Notes on this code

These notes are part of the regulation. They change how the levels above are applied.

  • Note: This diagnostic code applies, but is not limited to, achalasia (cardiospasm), diffuse esophageal spasm (DES), corkscrew esophagus, nutcracker esophagus, and other motor disorders of the esophagus; esophageal rings (including Schatzki rings), mucosal webs or folds, and impairment of the esophagus caused by systemic conditions such as myasthenia gravis, scleroderma, and other neurologic conditions.

VA Disability Ratings for Esophageal Motility Disorder (Diagnostic Code 7204)

Understanding Esophageal Motility Disorder

An esophageal motility disorder affects how the esophagus moves food and liquid toward the stomach. Under the VA rating schedule, this condition falls under Diagnostic Code 7204 within the Digestive System (§ 4.114).

This diagnostic code applies to a range of conditions, including — but not limited to:

  • Achalasia (cardiospasm)
  • Diffuse esophageal spasm (DES)
  • Corkscrew esophagus
  • Nutcracker esophagus
  • Other motor disorders of the esophagus
  • Esophageal rings (including Schatzki rings)
  • Mucosal webs or folds
  • Impairment of the esophagus caused by systemic conditions such as myasthenia gravis, scleroderma, and other neurologic conditions

How the VA Rates This Condition

The VA rates esophageal motility disorder using the same criteria as Esophagus, stricture of (Diagnostic Code 7203). Ratings are assigned based on documented history, symptoms, and the type of treatment required.

Available Rating Levels

RatingWhat the VA Looks For
80%Documented history of recurrent or refractory esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia with at least one of the following present: (1) aspiration, (2) undernutrition, and/or (3) substantial weight loss as defined by § 4.112(a) — and treatment with either surgical correction or a percutaneous esophago-gastrointestinal tube (PEG tube).
50%Documented history of recurrent or refractory esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia which requires at least one of the following: (1) dilatation 3 or more times per year, (2) dilatation using steroids at least one time per year, or (3) esophageal stent placement.
30%Documented history of recurrent esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia which requires dilatation no more than 2 times per year.
10%Documented history of esophageal stricture(s) that requires daily medications to control dysphagia, otherwise asymptomatic.
0%Documented history without daily symptoms or requirement for daily medications.

What This Means

The VA reviews your documented medical history to determine which rating level best matches your condition. Key factors include:

  • Whether strictures are recurrent or refractory
  • The presence of dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
  • Serious complications such as aspiration, undernutrition, or substantial weight loss (as defined by § 4.112(a))
  • The type and frequency of treatment, such as dilatation, steroid-assisted dilatation, stent placement, surgical correction, or a PEG tube
  • Whether daily medications are required to manage symptoms

This information is based on the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.114, Diagnostic Code 7204. It is provided for general educational purposes.

These criteria are a rendering of § 4.114, diagnostic code 7204. The official version is the one that governs your rating.

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What next

How to claim this

Knowing the criteria is the first half. Getting your file to show them is the second.

  1. Find your level in the stack

    Read each rung against what your medical records already say. The level your records document today is the one the VA can support today.

  2. Name the gap

    Look at the rung above yours and write down exactly what it asks for that your file does not show yet — a diagnosis, a measurement, a prescribed brace, a doctor’s opinion linking it to service.

  3. Claim it by code

    File under diagnostic code 7204 and attach the evidence for the level you are asking for. Other Digestive System codes may cover your secondary conditions.

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