Diagnostic Code 7304: Peptic Ulcer Disease Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.114
- Rating range
- 0% to 100%
- Rating levels
- 5
- Body system
- Digestive system
The VA rates Peptic Ulcer Disease under diagnostic code 7304 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 7304 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | History of peptic ulcer disease documented by endoscopy or diagnostic imaging studies What raters look fordocumented by endoscopy or diagnostic imaging |
| 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 What raters look forepisodes lasting at least three consecutive days; three times or less in the past 12 months; daily prescribed medication |
| 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 What raters look forepisodes lasting at least three consecutive days; four or more times in the past 12 months; daily prescribed medication |
| 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 What raters look forcontinuous abdominal pain; recurrent hematemesis or melena; anemia requiring hospitalization in the past 12 months |
| 100% | Post-operative for perforation or hemorrhage, for three months What raters look forpost-operative for perforation or hemorrhage; three months |
DC 7304 rating appeals at the Board
The Board of Veterans' Appeals issued 107 rulings on higher ratings, reductions and severance under diagnostic code 7304 from 2021 to 2026. It granted 38.3%, denied 52.3% and sent 9.3% 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 7304 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 Granted includes partial grants; dismissed and withdrawn rulings are left out.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 7304?
Diagnostic code 7304 is the VA rating schedule entry for Peptic Ulcer Disease, 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 7304?
DC 7304 provides ratings of 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 100%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 7304 require?
The 100% rating for Peptic Ulcer Disease requires: Post-operative for perforation or hemorrhage, for three months.
How often does the Board grant a higher rating under DC 7304?
In 106 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on a higher rating under DC 7304 from 2021 to 2026, 38.7% were granted, 51.9% denied and 9.4% sent back for more work. These are appeal outcomes, not your personal odds.
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