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 medications required |
| 10% | Documented history of esophageal stricture(s) that requires daily medications to control dysphagia otherwise asymptomatic What raters look foresophageal stricture; daily medications to control dysphagia; otherwise asymptomatic |
| 30% | Documented history of recurrent esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia which requires dilatation no more than 2 times per year What raters look forrecurrent esophageal stricture causing dysphagia; dilatation no more than 2 times per year |
| 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 What raters look forrecurrent or refractory stricture causing dysphagia; dilatation 3 or more times per year; dilatation using steroids at least once per year; esophageal stent placement |
| 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) What raters look foraspiration, undernutrition, or substantial weight loss; surgical correction or PEG tube |
DC 7203 rating appeals at the Board
The Board of Veterans' Appeals issued 170 rulings on higher ratings, reductions and severance under diagnostic code 7203 from 2021 to 2026. It granted 32.4%, denied 54.7% and sent 12.9% back for more work. One appeal can contain more than one ruling.
Method: Claim Raven read each ruling in every Board decision stored for 2021 to 2026 and counted it under this code when the decision named DC 7203 for a rating question. These results cover only rulings with an identified diagnostic code and may not represent rulings where no code was stated. Granted includes partial grants; dismissed and withdrawn rulings are left out. These are outcomes within appeals, not first decisions, and not your personal odds.
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: 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).
How often does the Board grant a higher rating under DC 7203?
In 169 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on a higher rating under DC 7203 from 2021 to 2026, 32.5% were granted, 54.4% denied and 13.0% sent back for more work. These are appeal outcomes, not your personal odds.
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