Chronic Nausea and Vomiting Syndrome

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

Ongoing nausea and vomiting that does not go away and is not fully explained by another diagnosed condition. The VA rates it by analogy to duodenal ulcer based on how often you have episodes, whether you lose weight, and how it affects your nutrition.

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 7399-7305

Rating range

0% – 60%

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 severe nausea and vomiting causing significant weight loss, malnutrition, and anemia. You may need frequent hospitalizations or IV nutrition support.

What the VA looks for

Significant weight loss (more than 10% body weight)
Severe anemia requiring treatment
Frequent hospitalizations for dehydration or malnutrition
IV nutrition (TPN) or feeding tube considered or placed
Definite impairment of overall health documented by physician

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 tracking weight changes over time — the difference between a 10% and 30% rating depends on documented weight loss and nutritional impact.
⚠Not documenting ER visits and IV fluid treatments — these episodes prove the severity of your condition better than just telling the examiner you get sick.
⚠Not requesting an analogous rating — since there is no specific diagnostic code for chronic nausea, make sure your claim specifies rating by analogy (DC 7399-7305).

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…

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7399-7305

Rating range

0% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have severe nausea and vomiting causing significant weight loss, malnutrition, and anemia. You may need frequent hospitalizations or IV nutrition support.

What the VA looks for

Significant weight loss (more than 10% body weight)
Severe anemia requiring treatment
Frequent hospitalizations for dehydration or malnutrition
IV nutrition (TPN) or feeding tube considered or placed
Definite impairment of overall health documented by physician

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 tracking weight changes over time — the difference between a 10% and 30% rating depends on documented weight loss and nutritional impact.

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

⚠Not requesting an analogous rating — since there is no specific diagnostic code for chronic nausea, make sure your claim specifies rating by analogy (DC 7399-7305).