---
title: "DC 7205 - Esophagus, diverticulum of, acquired:"
diagnostic_code: "7205"
body_system: "Digestive System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.114"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/digestive/7205-esophagus-diverticulum-of-acquired"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.114"
updated: "2026-07-21T20:47:11.055579Z"
---

# DC 7205 - Esophagus, diverticulum of, acquired:

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, pharyngo- esophageal (Zenker's) diverticulum, mid-esophageal diverticulum, and epiphrenic (distal esophagus) diverticulum.

# Acquired Diverticulum of the Esophagus (VA Diagnostic Code 7205)

*Digestive System · 38 CFR § 4.114*

## Understanding the Condition

An **acquired esophageal diverticulum** is a pouch that forms in the wall of the esophagus—the tube that carries food from your throat to your stomach. Under VA Diagnostic Code 7205, this condition applies to, but is not limited to:

- **Pharyngo-esophageal diverticulum** (also called Zenker's diverticulum)
- **Mid-esophageal diverticulum**
- **Epiphrenic diverticulum** (in the distal, or lower, esophagus)

## How the VA Rates This Condition

Because the symptoms and functional impact of an esophageal diverticulum are similar to those of an esophageal stricture, the VA rates Diagnostic Code 7205 **using the criteria for esophageal stricture (Diagnostic Code 7203)**.

Ratings are assigned based on the severity of your symptoms, how often you require treatment, and the impact on your ability to eat and maintain nutrition.

### 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 that requires at least one of the following: (1) dilatation 3 or more times per year, (2) dilatation using steroids at least once per year, or (3) esophageal stent placement. |
| **30%** | Documented history of recurrent esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia that 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. |

## Key Terms

- **Dysphagia** — difficulty swallowing.
- **Dilatation** — a medical procedure to widen the esophagus.
- **Aspiration** — food or liquid entering the airway instead of the esophagus.
- **PEG tube** — a percutaneous esophago-gastrointestinal feeding tube.

## What This Means for You

The VA assigns your rating based on documented medical evidence of your condition—including the frequency of treatments you require, the medications you take, and effects such as weight loss, undernutrition, or aspiration. Keeping thorough medical records of your diagnosis, symptoms, and treatments can help ensure your condition is evaluated against these criteria.

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*This information is drawn from the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.114, Diagnostic Code 7205 (rated as Diagnostic Code 7203).*

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