EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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Gastric Ulcer
✓ VERIFIED AGAINST 38 C.F.R.§ 4.114 (Digestive system) · reviewed 2026-05-17 · ClaimRecon Editorial Team
Gastric Ulcer is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 7304 of 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7304 across 5 severity tiers (0% / 20% / 40% / 60% / 100%). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303.
OVERVIEW
Open sore in the stomach lining, often caused by H. pylori or NSAID use, causing pain and bleeding
RATING CRITERIA (5 LEVELS)
0%
History of peptic ulcer disease documented by endoscopy or diagnostic imaging studies.
20%
Episodes of abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting, that: last for at least three consecutive days in duration; occur three times or less in the past 12 months; and are managed by daily prescribed medication.
40%
Episodes of abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting, that: last for at least three consecutive days in duration; occur four or more times in the past 12 months; and are managed by daily prescribed medication.
60%
Continuous abdominal pain with intermittent vomiting, recurrent hematemesis (vomiting blood) or melena (tarry stools); and manifestations of anemia which require hospitalization at least once in the past 12 months.
100%
Post-operative for perforation or hemorrhage, for three months. Per Note: after three months at the 100% evaluation, rate on residuals as determined by mandatory VA medical examination; any change in evaluation is subject to the provisions of § 3.105(e).
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.
SOURCES & EDITORIAL
Rating criteria text quoted verbatim from 38 C.F.R. § 4.114 (Digestive system). Source verified 2026-05-17 by ClaimRecon Editorial Team during a regulation-text comparison against the Cornell Law CFR mirror; eCFR.gov is the authoritative government source.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026