EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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Dysphagia (Swallowing) VA Disability Rating
DC 7203 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.114 | M21-1, Part IV.ii.9
OVERVIEW
Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) is rated under DC 7203 based on severity. Stricture permitting passage of liquids only rates 50-80%.
RATING CRITERIA (3 LEVELS)
60% -- Severe impairment of health
Pain, vomiting, material weight loss and hematemesis or melena with moderate anemia; or other symptom combinations producing severe impairment.
30% -- Considerable impairment of health
Persistently recurrent epigastric distress with dysphagia, pyrosis, and regurgitation, with substernal/arm/shoulder pain.
10% -- Two or more symptoms of less severity
Two or more of the symptoms for the 30% evaluation of less severity.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Service treatment records
-Current medical diagnosis and treatment records
-Buddy/lay statements
-Prescription history
-Employment impact documentation
-Any relevant diagnostic testing
C&P EXAM TIPS (5)
1.Bring all relevant medical records and a written list of symptoms.
2.Report your worst days, not your best. The VA rates based on overall impairment.
3.Document how the condition affects daily activities, work, and relationships.
4.Mention all medications and their side effects.
5.Bring buddy statements from people who observe your symptoms.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026