Chronic Gastritis

DC 7307Digestive38 CFR 4.114, DC 7307

Chronic inflammation of the stomach lining causing pain, nausea, and indigestion. Often caused by H. pylori infection, NSAID overuse during service, or stress. Rated based on symptom severity.

Rating Levels

You have severe chronic gastritis with hemorrhages or large ulcerated or eroded areas documented on endoscopy.

What the VA looks for

Endoscopy showing hemorrhages or large ulcerated areas
Severe symptoms requiring intensive treatment
Hospitalizations for hemorrhage or severe gastritis
Significant impact on nutrition and daily functioning
Blood work showing anemia from chronic bleeding

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting upper endoscopy (EGD) to document gastritis — the VA needs objective evidence of gastric lesions, not just symptoms.
⚠Not connecting NSAID use for service-connected pain conditions as a cause — if you took NSAIDs regularly for a service-connected condition, gastritis may be secondary.
⚠Not testing for H. pylori which is common in military settings — a positive test strengthens the link to service.
⚠Not filing as secondary to chronic pain conditions requiring NSAID use — this is one of the most common secondary service connection claims.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Stomach and Duodenal Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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