Chronic Nausea and Vomiting Syndrome

DC 7356Digestive38 CFR 4.114, DC 7356

Ongoing nausea and vomiting that does not go away and is not fully explained by another diagnosed condition. As of May 19, 2024, chronic nausea and vomiting from a motility disorder is rated under DC 7356 (gastrointestinal dysmotility syndrome) — based on your symptoms, whether they require prescribed dietary management, and whether you need tube feeding or total parenteral nutrition (TPN). (If the predominant problem is irritable bowel syndrome, it is instead rated under DC 7319.) For claims pending before May 19, 2024, the VA must apply whichever is more favorable.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on the type and intensity of treatment you require. Higher ratings correspond to more aggressive treatment regimens, such as daily medication, insulin dependence, or the need for ongoing medical management.

Diagnostic code

DC 7356

Rating range

10% – 80%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.114, DC 7356. 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 require complete dependence on total parenteral nutrition (TPN) or continuous tube feeding for nutritional support.

What the VA looks for

Complete dependence on TPN or continuous tube feeding
Nutrition/records documenting the requirement

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not ruling out other conditions first — the VA may deny a chronic nausea claim if they think it is caused by an undiagnosed condition. Get a thorough GI workup documented.
⚠Not documenting the treatment your symptoms require — under DC 7356 the levels step up with prescribed dietary management (30%), intermittent tube feeding with recurrent emergency treatment (50%), and complete dependence on tube feeding or TPN (80%).
⚠Not documenting ER visits and IV fluid or tube-feeding treatments — these episodes prove the severity of your condition better than just telling the examiner you get sick.
⚠If your predominant problem is irritable bowel syndrome, ask whether DC 7319 is more favorable; if your claim was pending before May 19, 2024, the old criteria may also apply.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Stomach and Duodenal Conditions

See secondary conditions →

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Chronic Nausea and Vomiting Syndrome or rated under the same body system.

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

DC 7206·Digestive

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Hepatitis C

Crohn's Disease

Hemorrhoids

Ulcerative Colitis

Hiatal Hernia

Liver Cirrhosis

Condition Rating Guides

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

Chronic Nausea and Vomiting Syndrome

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7356

Rating range

10% – 80%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You require complete dependence on total parenteral nutrition (TPN) or continuous tube feeding for nutritional support.

What the VA looks for

Complete dependence on TPN or continuous tube feeding
Nutrition/records documenting the requirement

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not ruling out other conditions first — the VA may deny a chronic nausea claim if they think it is caused by an undiagnosed condition. Get a thorough GI workup documented.

⚠Not documenting the treatment your symptoms require — under DC 7356 the levels step up with prescribed dietary management (30%), intermittent tube feeding with recurrent emergency treatment (50%), and complete dependence on tube feeding or TPN (80%).

⚠Not documenting ER visits and IV fluid or tube-feeding treatments — these episodes prove the severity of your condition better than just telling the examiner you get sick.

⚠If your predominant problem is irritable bowel syndrome, ask whether DC 7319 is more favorable; if your claim was pending before May 19, 2024, the old criteria may also apply.