How to Get a Gastritis VA Rating!

Looking for Expert-Level VA Claim Help?📱Call Us Now! 737-295-2226

Gastritis VA ratings range from 0% to 100% with breaks at 20%, 40%, and 60%.

Gastritis is very similar to peptic ulcer disease, which is why the new digestive system rating criteria specifies to rate gastritis under Diagnostic Code 7304 for peptic ulcers.

The gastritis rating factors include the severity of episodes of abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting as well as whether hospitalization has been required in the past.

Your final VA disability rating for gastritis depends on the frequency (how often), severity (how bad), and duration (how long) of symptoms and how those symptoms negatively impact your work, life, and social functioning.

Summary of Key Points

• Gastritis Defined: Gastritis is the inflammation of the stomach lining, which can be acute or chronic, with chronic gastritis involving persistent inflammation and damage over time; it is now rated under peptic ulcer disease (DC 7304) due to the comparable ongoing inflammation, damage, symptoms, and complications.

• VA Rating for Gastritis: As of May 19, 2024, the VA rates gastritis, under 38 CFR § 4.114, Diagnostic Code (DC) 7307, which instructs the VA to rate under DC 7304 for peptic ulcer disease, with ratings from 0% to 100% with breaks at 20%, 40%, and 60% based on severity of symptoms and how those symptoms negatively impact your work, life, and social functioning.

• Service Connection for Gastritis: To receive a gastritis VA disability rating and compensation, you must have (#1) a current diagnosis of gastritis, (#2) evidence of an in-service event, injury, illness, or aggravation, (#3) a medical nexus linking the current diagnosis to the in-service event, and (#4) documention of severity of symptoms in terms of frequency, severity, and duration.

Gastritis in Veterans 

Gastritis is a broad term for several conditions that cause inflammation of the stomach lining, leading to the following side effects:

• Stomach pain
• Vomiting 
• Nausea
• Belching 
• A feeling of fullness in the upper abdomen after eating 
• Blood in vomit or stool 
• Fatigue 

Common causes of gastritis in veterans include stress, Helicobacter pylori infection, alcohol or tobacco use, or use of pain relievers.

As a note, the presence of blood in the stool or vomit typically occurs in severe cases of gastritis or when there’s a bleeding ulcer.

Unfortunately, when left untreated, gastritis puts you at a greater risk for stomach cancer, so it’s essential to address issues immediately. 

If you believe your military service caused gastritis, you may be entitled to VA disability benefits. 

What is the VA Rating for Gastritis?

As of May 19, 2024, the VA rates gastritis, under 38 CFR § 4.114, Diagnostic Code (DC) 7307, which instructs the VA to rate under DC 7304, with ratings from 0% to 100% with breaks at 20%, 40%, and 60% based on severity of symptoms.

Click here to read the digestive system VA rating changes.

DC 7304, *NEW* Gastritis VA Disability Rating

Here are the new VA rating criteria for gastritis:

• Post-operative for perforation or hemorrhage, for three months rate at 100%

• Continuous abdominal pain with intermittent vomiting, recurrent hematemesis (vomiting blood) or melena (tarry stools); and manifestations of anemia that require hospitalization at least once in the past 12 months rate at 60%

• 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 rate at 40%

• 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 rate at 20%

• History of peptic ulcer disease documented by endoscopy or diagnostic imaging studies rate at 0%

Note #1: After three months at the 100% evaluation, rate on residuals as determined by mandatory VA medical examination. Apply the provisions of § 3.105(e) of this chapter to any change in evaluation based upon that or any subsequent examination.

Note #2: This diagnostic code includes Helicobacter pylori infection, drug- induced gastritis, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and portal-hypertensive gastropathy with varix-related complications.

Explanation of Terms:

• Gastritis: Inflammation of the lining of the stomach, which can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). Chronic gastritis involves persistent inflammation and damage to the stomach lining over time.

• Rate as Peptic Ulcer Disease (DC 7304): Chronic gastritis is rated similarly to peptic ulcer disease because both conditions involve ongoing inflammation and damage to the stomach lining, leading to similar symptoms and complications.

• Helicobacter pylori Infection: A bacterial infection of the stomach lining that can cause chronic gastritis and increase the risk of developing peptic ulcers.

• Drug-induced Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining caused by prolonged use of certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids.

• Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome: A rare condition characterized by the formation of tumors (gastrinomas) in the pancreas or duodenum, leading to excessive production of stomach acid and chronic gastritis.

• Portal-Hypertensive Gastropathy with Varix-Related Complications: Gastritis caused by increased pressure in the portal vein (portal hypertension), often due to liver cirrhosis or other liver diseases, leading to the development of dilated blood vessels (varices) in the stomach lining and related complications such as bleeding.

How to Get a Service Connection for a Gastritis

To receive a gastritis VA disability rating and compensation, you must meet the following requirements:

1. A current diagnosis of gastritis
2. An in-service event, injury, illness, or aggravation
3. A medical nexus (i.e., link) between the current diagnosis and the in-service event, injury, or illness
4. Severity of symptoms in terms of frequency, severity, and duration

You should file a claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), specifying the connection between your current health conditions and military service.

You generally use VA Form 21-526EZ for disability compensation claims, and it’s essential to include comprehensive details about symptoms, medical treatments, and the impact on your daily life.

5 Steps to Filing a VA Claim for Gastritis

You can file a VA claim for gastritis using the following five steps:

1. Gather Documentation: Collect medical records showing current diagnosis, test results, service records, and other evidence, such as Medical Nexus Letter or Independent Medical Opinion (IMO)  linking your gastritis to your military service.
2. Complete VA Form 21-526EZ: Fill out this form to apply for disability compensation. Include details about your exposure, symptoms, and how it affects your daily life.
3. Submit Your Claim: Send the completed form and supporting documents to the VA regional office handling your claim. You can submit it online through the VA website, by mail, or in person.
4. Undergo Examinations: The VA might schedule you for medical examinations to evaluate the extent of your gastritis.
5. Await the Decision: The VA will review your claim, considering the evidence provided.

The VA will notify you of their decision regarding your eligibility for a VA rating for gastritis, including benefits and compensation.

(FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions

What is the chronic gastritis VA rating?

Effective May 19, 2024, VA disability ratings for gastritis range from 0% to 100% with breaks at 20%, 40%, and 60%.

Can I appeal a denied gastritis VA rating?

You can file an appeal if your VA claim is denied and you feel you deserve VA disability benefits for gastritis or didn’t receive the disability rating owed.

If the VA decision was dated on or after February 19, 2019, you have three options to continue your case:

• File a Supplemental Claim
• Request a Higher-Level Review 
• Appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals 

Is gastritis a presumptive condition?

No, the VA doesn’t recognize gastritis as a presumptive condition. 

How does the VA determine VA disability ratings for gastritis in veterans?

The VA determines disability ratings for gastritis by assessing the severity of the condition, including whether the veteran experiences severe hemorrhages or large ulcerated areas.

What medical evidence is required for a VA disability claim for gastritis?

To help get you the VA benefits you deserve for gastritis, you should provide the following:

• Medical records showing the current diagnosis
• Test results
• Buddy statements (optional)
• Nexus letter
• Independent medical opinions (IMOs)

Looking for Expert-Level VA Claim Help?

Many veterans are underrated for their disabilities and, therefore, not getting their due compensation.

At VA Claims Insider, we educate you on how to take control of the claims process so you may get the rating and compensation you’re owed by law.

If you’ve filed your VA disability claim and have been denied or have received a low rating—or you’re unsure how to get started—reach out to us!

Our process takes the guesswork out of filing a VA disability claim and supports you in building a fully developed claim (FDC)—so you may increase your rating FAST!

Take advantage of a VA Claim Discovery Call

Learn what you’ve been missing—so you can FINALLY get the disability rating and compensation YOU DESERVE!

About the Author