Chronic Mesenteric Ischemia

DC 7399-7305Digestive38 CFR 4.114, DC 7399-7305

Reduced blood flow to the intestines caused by narrowing of the mesenteric arteries, leading to severe abdominal pain after eating, weight loss, and fear of eating. This condition is sometimes called intestinal angina. The VA rates chronic mesenteric ischemia by analogy to the digestive system criteria based on the severity of symptoms.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how much it affects your ability to work and carry out daily activities. The examiner will focus on the functional limitations your condition causes, not just the diagnosis itself.

Diagnostic code

DC 7399-7305

Rating range

30% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.114, DC 7399-7305. 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 critical mesenteric ischemia with constant abdominal pain, inability to maintain adequate nutrition, requiring parenteral (IV) nutrition or surgical intervention such as mesenteric bypass or stenting.

What the VA looks for

Constant abdominal pain
Inability to maintain oral nutrition
Parenteral nutrition required
Surgical intervention records (bypass or stent)
Marked malnutrition with anemia and general debility

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting CT angiography or MR angiography to document the mesenteric artery blockages — imaging evidence of stenosis is essential for establishing the diagnosis and severity.
⚠Not tracking weight loss over time with regular weigh-ins — progressive weight loss is one of the most important factors for a higher rating.
⚠Not documenting the relationship between eating and pain — keeping a food and symptom diary showing that pain consistently occurs 15-60 minutes after meals supports the diagnosis.
⚠Not connecting mesenteric ischemia to atherosclerosis risk factors that may be service-connected — hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol from service can cause mesenteric artery disease as a secondary condition.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Intestinal Conditions (Other Than Surgical or Infectious)

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

Chronic Mesenteric Ischemia

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7399-7305

Rating range

30% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Constant abdominal pain
Inability to maintain oral nutrition
Parenteral nutrition required
Surgical intervention records (bypass or stent)
Marked malnutrition with anemia and general debility

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting CT angiography or MR angiography to document the mesenteric artery blockages — imaging evidence of stenosis is essential for establishing the diagnosis and severity.

⚠Not tracking weight loss over time with regular weigh-ins — progressive weight loss is one of the most important factors for a higher rating.

⚠Not documenting the relationship between eating and pain — keeping a food and symptom diary showing that pain consistently occurs 15-60 minutes after meals supports the diagnosis.

⚠Not connecting mesenteric ischemia to atherosclerosis risk factors that may be service-connected — hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol from service can cause mesenteric artery disease as a secondary condition.