Peptic Ulcer Disease
Peptic ulcer disease is open sores in the stomach or duodenum causing abdominal pain, nausea, and sometimes bleeding. The May 2024 revision consolidated the old separate gastric, duodenal, and marginal ulcer codes into a single DC 7304 rated on episode frequency, bleeding, and hospitalization.
Presumptive condition — Former Prisoners of War - interned 30 days or more (38 CFR 3.309(c))
Peptic ulcer disease is presumptive for former POWs who were interned or detained for at least 30 days, if it becomes at least 10 percent disabling at any time after service.
How the VA rates it
Rated under DC 7304, which since May 19, 2024 covers all peptic ulcer disease (the old separate codes for gastric ulcer 7304, duodenal ulcer 7305, and marginal ulcer 7306 were consolidated). Ratings are based on the frequency and duration of symptomatic episodes managed by daily prescription medication, escalating to 60 percent for bleeding with anemia requiring hospitalization, and a temporary 100 percent after surgery for perforation or hemorrhage. Diagnosis must be documented by endoscopy or diagnostic imaging. Chronic gastritis (DC 7307), including H. pylori infection, is rated under these same criteria.
Rating criteria by percentage
Rated up to 100%Temporary rating for three months following surgery for a perforated or bleeding ulcer. VA then re-examines and rates residuals.
Continuous abdominal pain with intermittent vomiting, recurrent vomiting of blood (hematemesis) or black tarry stools (melena), and anemia requiring hospitalization at least once in the past 12 months.
Episodes of abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting lasting at least three consecutive days, occurring four or more times in the past 12 months, and managed by daily prescribed medication.
Episodes of abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting lasting at least three consecutive days, occurring three times or less in the past 12 months, and managed by daily prescribed medication.
History of peptic ulcer disease documented by endoscopy or diagnostic imaging, without the episodes described above.
Secondary condition strategy
Commonly claimed secondary to this
Conditions veterans often develop from this one — each can be its own rating under 38 CFR 3.310.
- Anemia — Chronic ulcer bleeding can cause iron-deficiency anemia, which factors into the 60 percent criteria and can be relevant evidence.
This is often secondary to
If you already have one of these service-connected, it may support connecting this condition.
- Degenerative Arthritis — Long-term NSAID use prescribed for service-connected musculoskeletal conditions is a well-recognized cause of peptic ulcers - a strong medication-pathway secondary claim.
- PTSD — Claimed secondary to PTSD via chronic stress and psychiatric medication side effects.
Evidence that strengthens this claim
- An endoscopy (EGD) or imaging report documenting the ulcer is effectively required - even the 0 percent level demands documented disease.
- Track each symptomatic episode with dates and duration; the 20 vs. 40 percent line is whether qualifying 3-day episodes happened more than three times in the past 12 months.
- If claiming secondary to NSAID use, gather pharmacy records showing years of prescribed NSAIDs for a service-connected condition plus a medical opinion.
- Hospitalization records for GI bleeding and lab work showing anemia are the key to the 60 percent level.
Rating rules to know
DC 7304 is on the digestive no-combining list: VA assigns a single rating for the predominant digestive disability rather than combining it with other DC 7301-7329 ratings, elevating if overall severity warrants.
Related diagnostic codes
More digestive conditions
GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
GERD is chronic acid reflux from the stomach into the esophagus, causing heartburn, regurgitation, and sometimes difficulty swallowing. Since May 19, 2024 it has its own diagnostic code (7206) and is rated on esophageal stricture criteria - how badly documented narrowing of the esophagus affects swallowing and what treatment it requires.
Rated up to 80%
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS is a functional bowel disorder causing abdominal pain tied to bowel movements, with diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or urgency. Since the May 2024 revision it is rated 10, 20, or 30 percent based on how often pain related to defecation occurs.
Rated up to 30%
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum or anus that can bleed, prolapse, or form painful clots (thrombosis). Under the May 2024 criteria they are rated 10 or 20 percent based on bleeding with anemia, prolapse, and how many thrombosis episodes occur per year.
Rated up to 20%
Inguinal Hernia
An inguinal hernia is tissue bulging through a weak spot in the groin wall. Since May 2024, DC 7338 covers all abdominal wall hernias (inguinal, femoral, umbilical, ventral, incisional - but not hiatal) and rates 0 to 100 percent based on whether the hernia is irreparable, its size, and pain during daily activities.
Rated up to 100%
Gallbladder Disease (Chronic Biliary Tract Disease)
Chronic gallbladder and biliary tract disease causes recurring attacks of right-upper-abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting. Since May 2024, DC 7314 covers chronic biliary tract disease broadly and rates 0, 10, or 30 percent based on documented attack frequency over the past 12 months.
Rated up to 30%
Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is inflammation or infection of small pouches (diverticula) in the colon wall, causing attacks of abdominal pain, fever, and elevated white counts. Since May 2024, DC 7327 has its own criteria rated 0, 20, or 30 percent based on hospitalizations and complications.
Rated up to 30%
Disclaimer: Valor Rating is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Always review your documents carefully before submitting to the VA. For official guidance, consult an accredited VSO, claims agent, or attorney.