VA Diagnostic Code 7207Barrett's esophagus:
Rated from 10% to 30% under § 4.114. Here is what the VA requires at each level.
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Summary
With esophageal stricture: Rate as esophagus, stricture of (DC 7203). Without esophageal stricture: 30 — Documented by pathologic diagnosis with high-grade dysplasia; 10 — Documented by pathologic diagnosis with low-grade dysplasia.
What each rating requires
The VA assigns the highest level your evidence actually supports. Read up the stack until your records stop matching.
- 30%
Documented by pathologic diagnosis with high-grade dysplasia
- 10%
Documented by pathologic diagnosis with low-grade dysplasia
Notes on this code
These notes are part of the regulation. They change how the levels above are applied.
- Note (1): If malignancy develops, rate as malignant neoplasms of the digestive system, exclusive of skin growths (DC 7343).
- Note (2): If the condition is resolved via surgery, radiofrequency ablation, or other treatment, rate residuals as esophagus, stricture of (DC 7203).
Barrett's Esophagus — VA Disability Rating (Diagnostic Code 7207)
Digestive System · 38 CFR § 4.114
Understanding Barrett's Esophagus
Barrett's esophagus is a condition affecting the esophagus, part of the body's digestive system. Under the VA's rating schedule, it is evaluated using Diagnostic Code 7207 in § 4.114.
How the VA rates the condition depends on whether an esophageal stricture is present and, if not, on the type of dysplasia documented by a pathologic diagnosis.
Available Rating Levels
When there is no esophageal stricture, Barrett's esophagus is rated at one of the following levels:
| Rating | What It Reflects |
|---|---|
| 30% | Documented by pathologic diagnosis with high-grade dysplasia |
| 10% | Documented by pathologic diagnosis with low-grade dysplasia |
When an esophageal stricture is present, the condition is instead rated as esophagus, stricture of under Diagnostic Code 7203.
What the VA Looks For
- A pathologic diagnosis. The rating levels above depend on the condition being documented by a pathologic diagnosis, with the grade of dysplasia — high-grade or low-grade — determining the assigned percentage.
- Presence of an esophageal stricture. If a stricture is present, the VA rates the condition under DC 7203 (esophagus, stricture of) rather than under the percentages listed above.
Important Notes
- Note (1): If malignancy develops, the condition is rated as malignant neoplasms of the digestive system, exclusive of skin growths (DC 7343).
- Note (2): If the condition is resolved via surgery, radiofrequency ablation, or other treatment, any residuals are rated as esophagus, stricture of (DC 7203).
This overview is based on the VA rating schedule for Diagnostic Code 7207 under 38 CFR § 4.114. It is provided for general informational purposes and does not guarantee any particular rating or outcome.
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.114, diagnostic code 7207. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
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