What are the VA rating percentages for Dysphagia?

Dysphagia (DC 7203) is rated at 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 80% under 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7203. Documented history without daily symptoms or requirement for daily medications.

What rates 0% for Dysphagia under 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7203?

Under 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7203 (DC 7203), a 0% rating for Dysphagia requires: Documented history without daily symptoms or requirement for daily medications.

What happens during a C&P exam for Dysphagia?

Bring all relevant medical records and a written list of symptoms. Report your worst days, not your best. The VA rates based on overall impairment.

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Dysphagia

Q: What rates 10% for Dysphagia under 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7203?

Under 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7203 (DC 7203), a 10% rating for Dysphagia requires: Documented history of esophageal stricture(s) that requires daily medications to control dysphagia, otherwise asymptomatic.

Q: What rates 30% for Dysphagia under 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7203?

Under 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7203 (DC 7203), a 30% rating for Dysphagia requires: Documented history of recurrent esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia which requires dilatation no more than 2 times per year.

Q: What rates 50% for Dysphagia under 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7203?

Under 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7203 (DC 7203), a 50% rating for Dysphagia requires: Documented history of recurrent or refractory esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia which requires at least one of the following: (1) dilatation 3 or more times per year, (2) dilatation using steroids at least one time per year, or (3) esophageal stent placement.

Q: What rates 80% for Dysphagia under 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7203?

Under 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7203 (DC 7203), a 80% rating for Dysphagia requires: Documented history of recurrent or refractory esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia with at least one of the following: (1) aspiration, (2) undernutrition, and/or (3) substantial weight loss as defined by § 4.112(a), and treatment with either surgical correction or percutaneous esophago-gastrointestinal tube (PEG tube).

Q: What evidence do I need for a Dysphagia VA claim?

Key evidence for a Dysphagia claim includes: Service treatment records; Current medical diagnosis and treatment records; Buddy/lay statements; Prescription history; Employment impact documentation. All evidence should document both the condition and its impact on daily functioning.

DC 720338 C.F.R. § 4.114

Diagnostic Code

DC 7203

38 C.F.R. § 4.114

Rating Range

0–80%

5 severity tiers

Source

Verified

38 C.F.R. § 4.114

Dysphagia is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 7203 of 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7203 across 5 severity tiers (0% / 10% / 30% / 50% / 80%). 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

Difficulty swallowing foods or liquids, often secondary to esophageal or neurological conditions

Rating Criteria

Documented history without daily symptoms or requirement for daily medications.

10%

Documented history of esophageal stricture(s) that requires daily medications to control dysphagia, otherwise asymptomatic.

30%

Documented history of recurrent esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia which requires dilatation no more than 2 times per year.

50%

Documented history of recurrent or refractory esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia which requires at least one of the following: (1) dilatation 3 or more times per year, (2) dilatation using steroids at least one time per year, or (3) esophageal stent placement.

80%

Documented history of recurrent or refractory esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia with at least one of the following: (1) aspiration, (2) undernutrition, and/or (3) substantial weight loss as defined by § 4.112(a), and treatment with either surgical correction or percutaneous esophago-gastrointestinal tube (PEG tube).

03Key Evidence

—Service treatment records

—Current medical diagnosis and treatment records

—Buddy/lay statements

—Prescription history

—Employment impact documentation

—Any relevant diagnostic testing

04C&P Exam Tips

1Bring all relevant medical records and a written list of symptoms.

2Report your worst days, not your best. The VA rates based on overall impairment.

3Document how the condition affects daily activities, work, and relationships.

4Mention all medications and their side effects.

5Bring buddy statements from people who observe your symptoms.

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Tools

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

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 against the Cornell Law CFR mirror; eCFR.gov is the authoritative government source.

View § 4.114 on eCFR →Cornell Law mirror →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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