---
title: "DC 7304 - Peptic ulcer disease:"
diagnostic_code: "7304"
body_system: "Digestive System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.114"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/digestive/7304-peptic-ulcer-disease"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.114"
updated: "2026-07-21T18:19:51.065959Z"
---

# DC 7304 - Peptic ulcer disease:

Rated under § 4.114. Body system: Digestive System.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 100% | Post-operative for perforation or hemorrhage, for three months |
| 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 |

## Notes

- Note: After three months at the 100% evaluation, rate on residuals as determined by mandatory VA medical examination. Apply the provisions of § 3.105(e) of this chapter to any change in evaluation based upon that or any subsequent examination.

# 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.*

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