Marginal (Anastomotic) Ulcer

DC 7304Digestive38 CFR 4.114, DC 7304 (marginal ulcer; formerly listed under 7306)

An ulcer that develops at or near the site where the stomach was surgically connected to the intestine (anastomosis), typically after gastric bypass or partial gastrectomy. A marginal ulcer is a peptic ulcer, so as of May 19, 2024 it is rated under DC 7304 based on how many episodes of abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting you have per year (each lasting at least three days and managed with daily medication), plus complications like bleeding, anemia, or surgery. Any separate postgastrectomy syndrome (such as dumping) may be rated under DC 7308. 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 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 7304

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.114, DC 7304 (marginal ulcer; formerly listed under 7306). 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 are within three months after surgery for a perforated or hemorrhaging ulcer. This is a temporary 100% rating for that three-month period, after which the ulcer is rated on its residuals.

What the VA looks for

Surgery for a perforated or hemorrhaging marginal ulcer
Operative and hospital records with dates
Rating applies for three months post-surgery, then rated on residuals

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting endoscopy to document the ulcer — a marginal ulcer must be visualized and confirmed at the anastomotic site to support a rating under DC 7304.
⚠Not connecting the ulcer to the original surgery — marginal ulcers develop because of previous gastric surgery. If that surgery was service-connected, the marginal ulcer is a direct residual.
⚠Not documenting each episode of abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting lasting at least three consecutive days — the number of episodes per year and daily medication use set the 20% and 40% levels under DC 7304.
⚠Not documenting GI bleeding (hematemesis or melena), anemia, and any hospitalization — the 60% level requires continuous pain with bleeding and anemia requiring hospitalization within the past year.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Stomach and Duodenal Conditions

See secondary conditions →

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Marginal (Anastomotic) Ulcer or rated under the same body system.

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

DC 7206·Digestive

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Hepatitis C

Crohn's Disease

Hemorrhoids

Ulcerative Colitis

Hiatal Hernia

Liver Cirrhosis

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Marginal (Anastomotic) Ulcer

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7304

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You are within three months after surgery for a perforated or hemorrhaging ulcer. This is a temporary 100% rating for that three-month period, after which the ulcer is rated on its residuals.

What the VA looks for

Surgery for a perforated or hemorrhaging marginal ulcer
Operative and hospital records with dates
Rating applies for three months post-surgery, then rated on residuals

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting endoscopy to document the ulcer — a marginal ulcer must be visualized and confirmed at the anastomotic site to support a rating under DC 7304.

⚠Not connecting the ulcer to the original surgery — marginal ulcers develop because of previous gastric surgery. If that surgery was service-connected, the marginal ulcer is a direct residual.

⚠Not documenting each episode of abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting lasting at least three consecutive days — the number of episodes per year and daily medication use set the 20% and 40% levels under DC 7304.

⚠Not documenting GI bleeding (hematemesis or melena), anemia, and any hospitalization — the 60% level requires continuous pain with bleeding and anemia requiring hospitalization within the past year.