Chronic GI Hemorrhage

DC 7304Digestive38 CFR 4.114, DC 7304

Recurrent or chronic bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract, which can originate from the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, or colon. The VA rates chronic GI hemorrhage based on the frequency and severity of bleeding episodes, associated anemia, and the need for treatment including transfusions.

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 7304

Rating range

10% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.114, DC 7304. 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, frequent GI hemorrhage episodes requiring multiple hospitalizations. You have significant anemia requiring blood transfusions and your bleeding has required repeated endoscopic or surgical intervention.

What the VA looks for

Multiple hospitalizations for GI hemorrhage
Blood transfusions required for severe anemia
Repeated endoscopic or surgical interventions
Hemoglobin consistently below 10 g/dL
Significant weight loss and debility from chronic blood loss

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting every bleeding episode — even episodes managed at home should be reported to your doctor and documented in your records. The frequency and severity pattern drives the rating.
⚠Not getting regular blood work — serial complete blood counts (CBC) and iron studies showing chronic anemia are objective evidence supporting a higher rating.
⚠Not connecting GI hemorrhage to its underlying cause — bleeding is often secondary to NSAID use (for service-connected pain conditions), peptic ulcer disease, or liver disease. Establish the nexus to service.
⚠Not keeping records of blood transfusions — each transfusion is strong evidence of severe hemorrhage. Request copies of transfusion records from every hospital visit.

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…

Chronic GI Hemorrhage

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 7304

Rating range

10% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Multiple hospitalizations for GI hemorrhage
Blood transfusions required for severe anemia
Repeated endoscopic or surgical interventions
Hemoglobin consistently below 10 g/dL
Significant weight loss and debility from chronic blood loss

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting every bleeding episode — even episodes managed at home should be reported to your doctor and documented in your records. The frequency and severity pattern drives the rating.

⚠Not getting regular blood work — serial complete blood counts (CBC) and iron studies showing chronic anemia are objective evidence supporting a higher rating.

⚠Not connecting GI hemorrhage to its underlying cause — bleeding is often secondary to NSAID use (for service-connected pain conditions), peptic ulcer disease, or liver disease. Establish the nexus to service.

⚠Not keeping records of blood transfusions — each transfusion is strong evidence of severe hemorrhage. Request copies of transfusion records from every hospital visit.