VA Diagnostic Code 7348Vagotomy with pyloroplasty or gastroenterostomy
Rated from 20% to 40% under § 4.114. Here is what the VA requires at each level.
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What each rating requires
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- 40%
Following confirmation of postoperative complications of stricture or continuing gastric retention
- 30%
With symptoms and confirmed diagnosis of alkaline gastritis, or with confirmed persisting diarrhea
- 20%
With incomplete vagotomy
Notes on this code
These notes are part of the regulation. They change how the levels above are applied.
- Note: Rate recurrent ulcer following complete vagotomy under DC 7304 (Peptic ulcer disease), with a minimum rating of 20%; and rate post-operative residuals not addressed by this diagnostic code under DC 7303 (Chronic complications of upper gastrointestinal surgery).
Vagotomy with Pyloroplasty or Gastroenterostomy (VA Diagnostic Code 7348)
Digestive System · 38 CFR § 4.114
What This Condition Is
Diagnostic Code 7348 covers a vagotomy — a surgical procedure on the vagus nerve — performed together with a pyloroplasty (surgery to widen the opening between the stomach and small intestine) or a gastroenterostomy (surgery that creates a connection between the stomach and the intestine).
The VA rates this condition under the digestive system section of its rating schedule. Ratings focus on the complications and residual effects that can follow these procedures.
Available Rating Levels
The VA assigns a disability rating based on the specific postoperative findings and symptoms present. The available levels for Diagnostic Code 7348 are:
| Rating | What It Reflects |
|---|---|
| 40% | Following confirmation of postoperative complications of stricture or continuing gastric retention |
| 30% | With symptoms and confirmed diagnosis of alkaline gastritis, or with confirmed persisting diarrhea |
| 20% | With incomplete vagotomy |
What the VA Looks For
When evaluating a claim under this diagnostic code, the VA considers:
- Postoperative complications such as stricture or continuing gastric retention (the highest listed level).
- Alkaline gastritis — evaluated when there are symptoms together with a confirmed diagnosis.
- Persisting diarrhea — evaluated when it is confirmed.
- Whether the vagotomy was incomplete.
Important Notes
- Recurrent ulcer following a complete vagotomy is rated under Diagnostic Code 7304 (Peptic ulcer disease), with a minimum rating of 20%.
- Post-operative residuals not addressed by this diagnostic code are rated under Diagnostic Code 7303 (Chronic complications of upper gastrointestinal surgery).
This overview is provided for general informational purposes and reflects the rating criteria in 38 CFR § 4.114 for Diagnostic Code 7348. Individual ratings depend on the specific findings in your case.
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.114, diagnostic code 7348. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
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