Bariatric Surgery Complications

DC 7328Digestive38 CFR 4.114, DC 7328

Ongoing digestive problems after weight loss surgery such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy. Common issues include dumping syndrome, nutritional deficiencies, chronic nausea, and strictures. The VA rates it based on how severe your symptoms are and how they affect your nutrition and daily life.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how often symptoms occur and how severe each episode is. The examiner will ask about the frequency, duration, and intensity of your episodes, as well as how they affect your ability to work.

Diagnostic code

DC 7328

Rating range

0% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.114, DC 7328. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

You have severe complications including intractable dumping syndrome, severe malnutrition, recurrent strictures, or internal hernias. You may need revision surgery or IV nutrition.

What the VA looks for

Intractable dumping syndrome with hypoglycemia
Severe malnutrition requiring IV supplementation
Recurrent strictures requiring multiple procedures
Internal hernia or bowel obstruction from surgery
Revision surgery needed or performed
Significant anemia and weight loss

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting all nutritional deficiencies with regular lab work — bariatric surgery commonly causes B12, iron, calcium, and vitamin D deficiencies that should all be tracked.
⚠Not connecting the bariatric surgery to a service-connected condition — if you had the surgery due to weight gain from PTSD medications, limited mobility from musculoskeletal injuries, or other service-connected reasons, document the chain.
⚠Not keeping a food diary showing dumping syndrome triggers — the VA examiner needs to understand how often you have episodes and what triggers them.
⚠Not reporting hypoglycemic episodes — reactive hypoglycemia after gastric bypass is a serious complication that supports a higher rating. Document blood sugar readings during episodes.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Intestinal Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Bariatric Surgery Complications

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7328

Rating range

0% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have severe complications including intractable dumping syndrome, severe malnutrition, recurrent strictures, or internal hernias. You may need revision surgery or IV nutrition.

What the VA looks for

Intractable dumping syndrome with hypoglycemia
Severe malnutrition requiring IV supplementation
Recurrent strictures requiring multiple procedures
Internal hernia or bowel obstruction from surgery
Revision surgery needed or performed
Significant anemia and weight loss

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting all nutritional deficiencies with regular lab work — bariatric surgery commonly causes B12, iron, calcium, and vitamin D deficiencies that should all be tracked.

⚠Not connecting the bariatric surgery to a service-connected condition — if you had the surgery due to weight gain from PTSD medications, limited mobility from musculoskeletal injuries, or other service-connected reasons, document the chain.

⚠Not keeping a food diary showing dumping syndrome triggers — the VA examiner needs to understand how often you have episodes and what triggers them.

⚠Not reporting hypoglycemic episodes — reactive hypoglycemia after gastric bypass is a serious complication that supports a higher rating. Document blood sugar readings during episodes.