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Peptic ulcer disease
Diagnostic code 7304 · 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 |
|---|---|
| 7304 Peptic ulcer disease: | |
| Post-operative for perforation or hemorrhage, for three months | 100 |
| 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 | 60 |
| 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 | 40 |
| 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 | 20 |
| History of peptic ulcer disease documented by endoscopy or diagnostic imaging studies | 0 |
| 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. |
Where else the regulation mentions this code
These lines appear under other codes or headings in the schedule and name this code.
Rate as peptic ulcer disease (DC 7304).
Rate as chronic complications of upper gastrointestinal surgery (DC 7303) or peptic ulcer disease (DC 7304), depending on the predominant disability.
Note: Rate recurrent ulcer following complete vagotomy under DC 7304 (Peptic ulcer disease), with a minimum rating of 20%; and rate post-operative residuals not addressed by this diagnostic code under DC 7303 (Chronic complications of upper gastrointestinal surgery).
Under diagnostic code 7348 (Vagotomy with pyloroplasty or gastroenterostomy)
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
- 7307 Gastritis, chronicMentioned together
- 7309 Stomach, stenosis ofMentioned together
- 7348 Vagotomy with pyloroplasty or gastroenterostomyMentioned 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 November 1, 1962; title, evaluation, criterion, and note May 19, 2024.
Read it on eCFR.govInformation, not advice
This page shows the text of VA's rating regulation for information. It is not a rating estimate, and it is not legal or medical advice. VA decides every rating on the evidence in your file.
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