Eosinophilic Esophagitis

DC 7346Digestive38 CFR 4.114, DC 7346

An allergic inflammatory condition where a type of white blood cell (eosinophil) builds up in the lining of the esophagus, causing difficulty swallowing, food getting stuck in the throat, and chest pain. The VA rates eosinophilic esophagitis under the hiatal hernia criteria based on the severity and frequency of symptoms.

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 7346

Rating range

10% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.114, DC 7346. 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 eosinophilic esophagitis with pain, vomiting, significant weight loss, hematemesis (vomiting blood) or melena (bloody stools), and anemia. You have material weight loss and moderate anemia, or other severe symptoms causing impairment of health.

What the VA looks for

Severe dysphagia limiting diet
Material weight loss documented
Anemia on lab work
Hematemesis or melena episodes
Severe impairment of health
Esophageal stricture on imaging

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting an upper endoscopy with esophageal biopsies showing elevated eosinophil counts — the diagnosis requires tissue samples, and the biopsy results are the strongest evidence for your claim.
⚠Not documenting food impaction episodes — every time food gets stuck in your throat requiring medical intervention or ER visits should be in your medical records.
⚠Not tracking dietary restrictions and their impact on your quality of life — many veterans with EoE must follow strict elimination diets, and the burden of these restrictions should be documented.
⚠Not connecting eosinophilic esophagitis to environmental exposures during service — allergen exposures, deployment locations, and changes in diet during service may support a nexus opinion.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Esophageal Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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Eosinophilic Esophagitis

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7346

Rating range

10% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Severe dysphagia limiting diet
Material weight loss documented
Anemia on lab work
Hematemesis or melena episodes
Severe impairment of health
Esophageal stricture on imaging

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting an upper endoscopy with esophageal biopsies showing elevated eosinophil counts — the diagnosis requires tissue samples, and the biopsy results are the strongest evidence for your claim.

⚠Not documenting food impaction episodes — every time food gets stuck in your throat requiring medical intervention or ER visits should be in your medical records.

⚠Not tracking dietary restrictions and their impact on your quality of life — many veterans with EoE must follow strict elimination diets, and the burden of these restrictions should be documented.

⚠Not connecting eosinophilic esophagitis to environmental exposures during service — allergen exposures, deployment locations, and changes in diet during service may support a nexus opinion.