Gastroparesis

DC 7356Digestive38 CFR 4.114, DC 7356

A condition where your stomach cannot empty food at a normal pace, causing nausea, vomiting, bloating, and feeling full after eating very little. As of May 19, 2024, gastroparesis is rated under DC 7356 (gastrointestinal dysmotility syndrome) based on your motility symptoms, whether they are managed with prescribed dietary management, and whether you require tube feeding or total parenteral nutrition (TPN). 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 getting a gastric emptying study (scintigraphy) to objectively confirm the diagnosis — the VA needs proof that your stomach empties too slowly, not just your reported symptoms.
⚠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 connecting gastroparesis to a service-connected condition like diabetes, which is a leading cause of gastroparesis and supports a secondary service connection claim.
⚠Not keeping a food and symptom diary showing how gastroparesis limits what you can eat, how often you vomit, and how it disrupts your daily life and work.
⚠If your claim was pending before May 19, 2024, make sure the VA considers both the new DC 7356 criteria and the old version, and applies whichever is more favorable.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Stomach and Duodenal Conditions

View evidence checklist →C&P exam prep guide →See secondary conditions →

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Gastroparesis or rated under the same body system.

Diabetes Mellitus Type II

DC 7913·Endocrine·Related primary

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

DC 7206·Digestive

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Hepatitis C

Crohn's Disease

Hemorrhoids

Ulcerative Colitis

Hiatal Hernia

Condition Rating Guides

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Gastroparesis

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 getting a gastric emptying study (scintigraphy) to objectively confirm the diagnosis — the VA needs proof that your stomach empties too slowly, not just your reported symptoms.

⚠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 connecting gastroparesis to a service-connected condition like diabetes, which is a leading cause of gastroparesis and supports a secondary service connection claim.

⚠Not keeping a food and symptom diary showing how gastroparesis limits what you can eat, how often you vomit, and how it disrupts your daily life and work.

⚠If your claim was pending before May 19, 2024, make sure the VA considers both the new DC 7356 criteria and the old version, and applies whichever is more favorable.