Esophagus, stricture of DC 7203
VA rates it under diagnostic code 7203 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% | 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) |
| 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 |
| 30% | Documented history of recurrent esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia which requires dilatation no more than 2 times per year |
| 10% | Documented history of esophageal stricture(s) that requires daily medications to control dysphagia otherwise asymptomatic |
| 0% | Documented history without daily symptoms or requirement for daily medications |
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 (5)
Note (1): Findings must be documented by barium swallow, computerized tomography, or esophagogastroduodenoscopy.
Note (2): Non-gastrointestinal complications of procedures should be rated under the appropriate system.
Note (3): This diagnostic code applies, but is not limited to, esophagitis, mechanical or chemical; Mallory Weiss syndrome (bleeding at junction of esophagus and stomach due to tears) due to caustic ingestion of alkali or acid; drug-induced or infectious esophagitis due to Candida, virus, or other organism; idiopathic eosinophilic, or lymphocytic esophagitis; esophagitis due to radiation therapy; esophagitis due to peptic stricture; and any esophageal condition that requires treatment with sclerotherapy.
Note (4): Recurrent esophageal stricture is defined as the inability to maintain target esophageal diameter beyond 4 weeks after the target diameter has been achieved.
Note (5): Refractory esophageal stricture is defined as the inability to achieve target esophageal diameter despite receiving no fewer than 5 dilatation sessions performed at 2-week intervals.
Commonly claimed as secondary to
If one of these is already service connected, you may be able to claim this condition as secondary to it.
GERD / acid reflux DC 7206 Established link
Acid damage can scar and narrow the esophagus (stricture), which makes swallowing hard.
What to gather: An endoscopy or swallow study showing a stricture and a medical opinion linking it to your GERD.
Sources: 38 CFR 3.310 (secondary service connection); MedlinePlus: Gastroesophageal reflux disease; 38 CFR 4.114
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Rating schedule data as of November 10, 2026. Secondary and presumptive links checked November 13, 2026.
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