Diagnostic code
Diagnostic Code 7203: Esophagus, stricture of Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.114
- Rating range
- 0% to 80%
- Rating levels
- 5
- Body system
- Digestive system
The VA rates Esophagus, stricture of under diagnostic code 7203 in 38 CFR § 4.114. The table below is the full set of rating criteria, from the schedule itself, with the evidence factors raters look for at each level.
DC 7203 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Documented history without daily symptoms or requirement for daily medications What raters look fordocumented history; no daily symptoms; no daily medication |
| 10% | Documented history of esophageal stricture requiring daily medications to control dysphagia, otherwise asymptomatic What raters look forstricture; daily medication; dysphagia |
| 30% | Recurrent esophageal stricture causing dysphagia requiring dilatation no more than 2 times per year What raters look forrecurrent stricture; dysphagia; dilatation up to 2 times/year |
| 50% | Recurrent or refractory stricture causing dysphagia requiring 3+ dilatations per year, steroid dilatation, or stent placement What raters look forrefractory stricture; 3+ dilatations/year; stent; steroid dilatation |
| 80% | Recurrent or refractory stricture causing dysphagia with aspiration, undernutrition, or substantial weight loss requiring surgical correction or PEG tube What raters look foraspiration; undernutrition; substantial weight loss; surgery; PEG tube |
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 7203?
Diagnostic code 7203 is the VA rating schedule entry for Esophagus, stricture of, found in 38 CFR § 4.114. The VA assigns this code when it rates the condition and applies the criteria listed on this page.
What ratings are possible under DC 7203?
DC 7203 provides ratings of 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 80%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 7203 require?
The 80% rating for Esophagus, stricture of requires: Recurrent or refractory stricture causing dysphagia with aspiration, undernutrition, or substantial weight loss requiring surgical correction or PEG tube.