Peptic ulcer disease DC 7304
VA rates it under diagnostic code 7304 in 38 CFR 4.114. Body system: Digestive.
Also searched as: peptic ulcer, stomach ulcer, duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer.
How VA rates it
The schedule allows 5 rating levels for this code: 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, and 100%. 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 |
|---|---|
| 100% | Post-operative for perforation or hemorrhage, for three months |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 0% | History of peptic ulcer disease documented by endoscopy or diagnostic imaging studies |
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 (1)
Note: After three months at the 100% evaluation, rate on residuals as determined by mandatory VA medical examination. Apply the provisions of § 3.105(e) of this chapter to any change in evaluation based upon that or any subsequent examination.
Presumptive rules that include it
If your service matches one of these, VA presumes the link to service and you do not need a medical opinion connecting it.
Former prisoners of war (held 30 days or more)
Covered: Peptic ulcer disease.
Who qualifies: Held as a prisoner of war for 30 days or more. The condition must reach at least 10% disabling at any time after service.
38 CFR 3.309(c)(2). Sources: 38 CFR 3.309; VA.gov: Benefits for former prisoners of war
Chronic diseases that show up within a year of discharge
Covered: Peptic (gastric or duodenal) ulcers.
Time limit: At least 10% disabling within 1 year of discharge.
Who qualifies: 90 days or more of continuous active service during a war period or after December 31, 1946, and the disease reached at least 10% disabling within 1 year of leaving service (3 years for tuberculosis and Hansen's disease, 7 years for multiple sclerosis).
38 CFR 3.307(a)(3) and 3.309(a). Sources: 38 CFR 3.307; 38 CFR 3.309; VA M21-1, Part V, Subpart iii, Chapter 2, Section B: Conditions of the auditory system
Related medications
Medications that can cause or worsen it
If you take one of these for a service-connected condition, this condition may be claimable as secondary to that condition. You need a diagnosis, your prescription records, and a medical opinion.
NSAIDs (anti-inflammatory pain relievers) (for example ibuprofen, naproxen, meloxicam, diclofenac) Established link
NSAID labels warn about stomach and intestinal ulcers and bleeding.
Sources: FDA label: Meloxicam (DailyMed)
Aspirin (Ecotrin, Durlaza) Established link
Aspirin can cause stomach ulcers and bleeding, which its label warns about.
Sources: FDA label: Aspirin (DailyMed)
Medications prescribed for it
A prescription shows the condition was diagnosed. It still needs its own link to service.
- H2 blockers (for example famotidine, cimetidine, nizatidine). FDA labels: Famotidine (DailyMed)
- Esomeprazole (Nexium). FDA labels: Esomeprazole (DailyMed)
- Lansoprazole (Prevacid). FDA labels: Lansoprazole (DailyMed)
- Misoprostol (Cytotec). FDA labels: Misoprostol (DailyMed)
- Omeprazole (Prilosec). FDA labels: Omeprazole (DailyMed)
- Rabeprazole (Aciphex). FDA labels: Rabeprazole (DailyMed)
- Sucralfate (Carafate). FDA labels: Sucralfate (DailyMed)
Check your claim
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Rating schedule data as of November 10, 2026. Secondary and presumptive links checked November 13, 2026.
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