VA Disability Rating for Esophagus, diverticulum of, acquired (DC 7205)

Rating levels

• Note — DC 7205 does not have its own rating ladder. The VA rates acquired esophageal diverticulum under DC 7203 (Esophagus, stricture of), which runs from 0% to 80% based on how often the stricture has to be dilated, whether a stent is needed, and whether it causes aspiration, undernutrition or the need for a feeding tube. See DC 7203 for the rating ladder.
• Note — DC 7205 covers acquired outpouchings (diverticula) of the esophagus, regardless of location. Conditions explicitly included (non-exhaustive): PHARYNGO-ESOPHAGEAL DIVERTICULUM, also called ZENKER'S DIVERTICULUM (a pouch at the junction of the pharynx and esophagus, typically presenting with regurgitation of undigested food, halitosis, and aspiration); MID-ESOPHAGEAL DIVERTICULUM (occurs in the middle third of the esophagus, often associated with traction from mediastinal inflammation); and EPIPHRENIC DIVERTICULUM (located just above the lower esophageal sphincter in the distal esophagus, often associated with esophageal motility disorders). All route to DC 7203 for the rating.