---
title: "DC 7204 - Esophageal motility disorder:"
diagnostic_code: "7204"
body_system: "Digestive System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.114"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/digestive/7204-esophageal-motility-disorder"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.114"
updated: "2026-07-21T20:46:46.854992Z"
---

# DC 7204 - Esophageal motility disorder:

Rated under § 4.114. Body system: Digestive System.

Rate as esophagus, stricture of (DC 7203).

Rate as Esophagus, stricture of: (DC 7203)

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 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) |
| 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 |

## Notes

- 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

| Rating | What 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.*

Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.114