Chronic complications of upper gastrointestinal surgery DC 7303
VA rates it under diagnostic code 7303 in 38 CFR 4.114. Body system: Digestive.
How VA rates it
The schedule allows 5 rating levels for this code: 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, and 80%. VA picks the level whose criteria best match your symptoms and records.
Source: 38 CFR 4.114 on eCFR. Read the full criteria there before you file.
Rating levels and criteria
| Rating | What the schedule says |
|---|---|
| 80% | Requiring continuous total parenteral nutrition (TPN) or tube feeding for a period longer than 30 consecutive days in the last six months |
| 50% | Any one of the following symptoms with or without pain: (1) daily vomiting despite oral dietary modification or medication; (2) six or more watery bowel movements per day every day, or explosive bowel movements that are difficult to predict or control; (3) post-prandial (meal-induced) light-headedness (syncope) with sweating and the need for medications to specifically treat complications of upper gastrointestinal surgery such as dumping syndrome or delayed gastric emptying |
| 30% | With two or more of the following symptoms: (1) vomiting two or more times per week or vomiting despite medical treatment; (2) discomfort or pain within an hour of eating and requiring ongoing oral dietary modification; (3) three to five watery bowel movements per day every day |
| 10% | With either nausea or vomiting managed by ongoing medical treatment |
| 0% | Post-operative status, asymptomatic |
Criteria text from 38 CFR 4.114, eCFR as of November 10, 2026. The eCFR is the official source if anything here differs.
Notes in the schedule (3)
Note (1): For resection of small intestine, use DC 7328.
Note (2): If pancreatic surgery results in a vitamin or mineral deficiency (e.g., B12, iron, calcium, or fat-soluble vitamins), evaluate under the appropriate vitamin/mineral deficiency code and assign the higher rating. For example, evaluate Vitamin A, B, C or D deficiencies under DC 6313; ocular manifestations of vitamin deficiencies, such as night blindness, under DC 6313; keratitis or keratomalacia due to Vitamin A deficiency under DC 6001; Vitamin E deficiency under neuropathy; and Vitamin K deficiency under prolonged clotting (e.g., DC 7705).
Note (3): This diagnostic code includes operations performed on the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, and small intestine, including bariatric surgery.
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Rating schedule data as of November 10, 2026. Secondary and presumptive links checked November 13, 2026.
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