VA Diagnostic Code 7304Peptic ulcer disease:

Peptic Ulcer Disease (VA Diagnostic Code 7304)

Digestive System · 38 CFR § 4.114

Understanding Peptic Ulcer Disease

Peptic ulcer disease is a condition affecting the digestive system. Under VA Diagnostic Code 7304, it is evaluated based on how the condition presents—ranging from a documented history with no current symptoms, to more serious situations involving pain, vomiting, bleeding, and complications requiring hospitalization or surgery.

The VA assigns a disability rating percentage based on where your symptoms and medical documentation fall within the rating schedule below.

Rating Levels

The VA uses the following levels to evaluate peptic ulcer disease:

100%

Post-operative for perforation or hemorrhage, for three months.

Important note: After three months at the 100% evaluation, the VA rates on residuals as determined by a mandatory VA medical examination. The provisions of § 3.105(e) apply to any change in evaluation based upon that or any subsequent examination.

60%

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.

40%

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.

20%

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.

0%

History of peptic ulcer disease documented by endoscopy or diagnostic imaging studies.

What the VA Looks For

When rating peptic ulcer disease, the VA considers factors such as:

• Documented history – confirmation of peptic ulcer disease through endoscopy or diagnostic imaging studies.
• Symptom episodes – whether you experience abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting, how long episodes last (at least three consecutive days), and how often they occur over a 12-month period.
• Medication management – whether symptoms are managed by daily prescribed medication.
• Serious manifestations – continuous abdominal pain, intermittent vomiting, recurrent vomiting of blood (hematemesis), or tarry stools (melena), along with signs of anemia.
• Hospitalization – whether the condition required hospitalization within the past 12 months.
• Surgical history – whether you are post-operative for perforation or hemorrhage.

For post-operative situations rated at 100%, the VA conducts a mandatory medical examination after three months and rates any remaining effects (residuals) based on that examination.

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This information is drawn from the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.114, Diagnostic Code 7304. It is provided for general informational purposes and does not guarantee any particular rating or outcome.