CLAIM RECON INTEL

Unintentional Weight Loss (Digestive)

Q: What are the VA rating percentages for Unintentional Weight Loss (Digestive)?

Unintentional Weight Loss (Digestive) (DC 7399) is rated at 0% under 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7399 (by analogy). Unintentional weight loss alone is NOT separately rated under § 4.114 — it is a TIER QUALIFIER within the underlying digestive DC schedule. This entry is informational; use the underlying-condition DC for the actual rating.

Q: What rates 0% for Unintentional Weight Loss (Digestive) under 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7399 (by analogy)?

Under 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7399 (by analogy) (DC 7399), a 0% rating for Unintentional Weight Loss (Digestive) requires: Unintentional weight loss alone is NOT separately rated under § 4.114 — it is a TIER QUALIFIER within the underlying digestive DC schedule. This entry is informational; use the underlying-condition DC for the actual rating.

Q: What evidence do I need for a Unintentional Weight Loss (Digestive) VA claim?

Key evidence for a Unintentional Weight Loss (Digestive) claim includes: Documented baseline and current weight showing any substantial (>20%) or minor (10-20%) weight loss per 38 CFR 4.112; Endoscopy, barium swallow, or imaging reports confirming the diagnosis; Treatment records documenting frequency of pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea episodes; Hospitalization records for the past 12 months; Lab work showing anemia, and records of any TPN, tube feeding, or prescribed dietary modification. All evidence should document both the condition and its impact on daily functioning.

DC 739938 C.F.R. § 4.114

Diagnostic Code

DC 7399

38 C.F.R. § 4.114

Rating Range

0–0%

1 severity tier

Source

Referenced

38 C.F.R. Part 4

Unintentional Weight Loss (Digestive) is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 7399 of 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7399 (by analogy) across 1 severity tier (0%). 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.

Educational tool only. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.

Overview

Significant unintentional weight loss attributable to digestive system dysfunction or malabsorption

Rating Criteria

Unintentional weight loss alone is NOT separately rated under § 4.114 — it is a TIER QUALIFIER within the underlying digestive DC schedule. This entry is informational; use the underlying-condition DC for the actual rating.

Key Evidence

—Documented baseline and current weight showing any substantial (>20%) or minor (10-20%) weight loss per 38 CFR 4.112

—Endoscopy, barium swallow, or imaging reports confirming the diagnosis

—Treatment records documenting frequency of pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea episodes

—Hospitalization records for the past 12 months

—Lab work showing anemia, and records of any TPN, tube feeding, or prescribed dietary modification

—Complete list of prescribed GI medications

C&P Exam Tips

1Many digestive ratings turn on documented weight loss - under 38 CFR 4.112, substantial weight loss is involuntary loss greater than 20% of baseline sustained for three months, and minor weight loss is 10% to 20%. Ask the examiner to record your baseline and current weight.

2Frequency matters: report how many episodes of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea you have per day, week, or year, and how many last three or more consecutive days.

3Incapacitating episodes and hospitalizations in the past 12 months drive higher ratings for many GI codes - bring records of every hospital stay.

4Note any anemia, dietary modification, or nutritional support (TPN or tube feeding) - these are explicit rating criteria for several digestive conditions.

5Endoscopy, barium swallow, or imaging often must confirm the diagnosis (for example, esophageal stricture, GERD, IBD, ulcers) - make sure those reports are in the file.

6Report your worst days, list all GI medications, and describe how symptoms disrupt eating, work, and daily activity.

Tools

Rating Calculator →Secondaries Explorer →C&P Exam Prep →PACT Act Scanner →2026 Rates →

Sources & Editorial

Rating criteria reference 38 C.F.R. Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities). This entry has not yet undergone editorial review against the live regulation text — consult the authoritative source directly before relying on the criteria shown.

View 38 C.F.R. Part 4 on eCFR →Editorial Standards →Suggest a correction →

EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026

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