Residuals of Gastric Surgery

DC 7310Digestive38 CFR 4.114, DC 7310

Ongoing digestive problems following stomach surgery such as gastrectomy, vagotomy, or pyloroplasty. Common residuals include dumping syndrome, bile reflux, nutritional deficiencies, and chronic diarrhea. The VA rates this condition based on the severity of post-surgical symptoms and their impact on nutrition and daily functioning.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on the type, severity, and frequency of your symptoms. The examiner will evaluate your specific symptoms and how they affect your daily life and ability to work.

Diagnostic code

DC 7310

Rating range

20% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.114, DC 7310. 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 residuals with persistent nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or sweating episodes after meals. You have significant weight loss and nutritional deficiencies. Symptoms substantially impair your daily activities and work.

What the VA looks for

Persistent post-meal symptoms (nausea, sweating, circulatory disturbance)
Significant weight loss and malnutrition
Anemia documented on lab work
Hypoglycemic episodes after meals
Substantial impairment of daily activities

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the specific type of gastric surgery performed and the date — the VA needs to connect current symptoms to the surgical procedure. Operative reports are key evidence.
⚠Not tracking weight changes over time — serial weight measurements showing progressive loss strengthen the case for a higher rating. Request documented weights at every medical visit.
⚠Not reporting dumping syndrome symptoms — post-meal sweating, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, nausea, and diarrhea occurring within 30 minutes of eating are characteristic residuals that many veterans do not know to report.
⚠Not getting nutritional lab work — iron, B12, folate, albumin, and vitamin D deficiencies are common after gastric surgery and provide objective evidence of malnutrition.

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…

Residuals of Gastric Surgery

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on the type, severity, and frequency of your symptoms. The examiner will evaluate your specific symptoms and how they affect your daily life and ability to work.

Diagnostic code

DC 7310

Rating range

20% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Persistent post-meal symptoms (nausea, sweating, circulatory disturbance)
Significant weight loss and malnutrition
Anemia documented on lab work
Hypoglycemic episodes after meals
Substantial impairment of daily activities

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the specific type of gastric surgery performed and the date — the VA needs to connect current symptoms to the surgical procedure. Operative reports are key evidence.

⚠Not tracking weight changes over time — serial weight measurements showing progressive loss strengthen the case for a higher rating. Request documented weights at every medical visit.

⚠Not reporting dumping syndrome symptoms — post-meal sweating, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, nausea, and diarrhea occurring within 30 minutes of eating are characteristic residuals that many veterans do not know to report.

⚠Not getting nutritional lab work — iron, B12, folate, albumin, and vitamin D deficiencies are common after gastric surgery and provide objective evidence of malnutrition.