Stomach, stenosis of (DC 7309)

Body system: Digestive SystemRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.114

Stomach stenosis is narrowing of the stomach (often the pyloric outlet) that obstructs the normal passage of food, typically caused by chronic peptic ulcer scarring, prior gastric surgery, tumors, or radiation. The VA does not maintain a dedicated rating ladder for this condition. Instead, 38 CFR § 4.114 directs raters to use either the chronic complications of upper GI surgery criteria (DC 7303) or the peptic ulcer disease criteria (DC 7304), choosing whichever ladder best matches the predominant disability picture (post-surgical residuals vs. ulcer-type symptoms).

Rating levels

  • -1% — Stomach stenosis is rated using one of two ladders depending on which disability dominates the clinical picture. If the dominant problem is post-surgical residuals (vomiting, weight loss, tube feeding, parenteral nutrition), the VA uses the DC 7303 criteria. If the dominant problem is ulcer-type symptoms (abdominal pain, hematemesis, melena, anemia, episode frequency), the VA uses the DC 7304 criteria. Read both ladders, then apply the one that matches the bigger functional impact.

Disclaimer: This tool is for informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. Always consult with your VSO representative or a qualified veterans benefits attorney for guidance on your specific claim.