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Esophagus, stricture of
Diagnostic code 7203 · Digestive system · 38 CFR 4.114
Rating criteria: the exact regulation text
Quoted from 38 CFR 4.114. The "Rating" column is the percentage VA assigns for that level.
| Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| 7203 Esophagus, stricture of: | |
| 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) | 80 |
| 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 | 50 |
| Documented history of recurrent esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia which requires dilatation no more than 2 times per year | 30 |
| Documented history of esophageal stricture(s) that requires daily medications to control dysphagia otherwise asymptomatic | 10 |
| Documented history without daily symptoms or requirement for daily medications | 0 |
| 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. |
Where else the regulation mentions this code
These lines appear under other codes or headings in the schedule and name this code.
Rate as esophagus, stricture of (DC 7203).
Rate as esophagus, stricture of (DC 7203).
Under diagnostic code 7205 (Esophagus, diverticulum of, acquired)
With esophageal stricture: Rate as esophagus, stricture of (DC 7203).
Note (2): If the condition is resolved via surgery, radiofrequency ablation, or other treatment, rate residuals as esophagus, stricture of (DC 7203).
Rate as esophagus, stricture of (DC 7203).
Under diagnostic code 7346 (Hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia)
Notes for the whole table
Do not combine ratings under diagnostic codes 7301 through 7329 inclusive, 7331, 7342, 7345 through 7350 inclusive, 7352, and 7355 through 7357 inclusive, with each other. Instead, when more than one rating is warranted under those diagnostic codes, assign a single evaluation under the diagnostic code that reflects the predominant disability picture, and elevate it to the next higher evaluation if warranted by the severity of the overall disability.
Related codes in the regulation
- 7204 Esophageal motility disorderMentioned together
- 7205 Esophagus, diverticulum of, acquiredMentioned together
- 7207 Barrett's esophagusMentioned together
- 7346 Hiatal hernia and paraesophageal herniaMentioned together
The VA exam form for this condition
VA examiners record their findings on a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ). Reading it shows you what the exam will measure and ask.
Rules that apply to this body system
Where this comes from
38 CFR 4.114, VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities, from the official eCFR.
Regulation text current as of October 16, 2026.
Change history for this code (38 CFR Part 4, Appendix A): Evaluation, criterion, note May 19, 2024.
Read it on eCFR.govInformation, not advice
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