Chronic complications of upper gastrointestinal surgery
Chronic complications of upper gastrointestinal surgery is a VA-ratable condition under diagnostic code 7303 in the Digestive System category. Maximum rating: 80%.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 80% | Requiring continuous total parenteral nutrition (TPN) *or* tube feeding for a period longer than 30 consecutive days in the last 6 months. |
| 50% | **ANY** 1 of the following symptoms: (1) daily vomiting despite oral dietary modification or medication; (2) *6 or more* watery bowel movements per day every day, *or* explosive bowel movements that are difficult to predict or control; (3) post-prandial (meal-induced) light-headedness (syncope) with sweating **AND** the need for medications to specifically treat complications of upper gastrointestinal surgery such as dumping syndrome *or* delayed gastric emptying. |
| 30% | *2 or more* of the following symptoms: (1) vomiting *2 or more* times per week or vomiting despite medical treatment; (2) discomfort *or* pain within 1 hour of eating **AND** requiring ongoing oral dietary modification; (3) 3 to 5 watery bowel movements per day every day. |
| 10% | Nausea *or* vomiting managed by ongoing medical treatment. |
| 0% | No Symptoms. |
Filing Tips
Pro Tip: The VA won't connect the dots for you. That's your job. Build the paper trail before you file.
Gather medical evidence showing a current diagnosis of this condition.
Document in-service events, injuries, or exposures that caused or aggravated this condition.
Consider a nexus letter from a medical professional linking your condition to service.
Review the rating criteria for DC 7303 to understand what symptoms warrant higher ratings.