Peptic Ulcer Disease

DC 7305Digestive38 CFR 4.114, DC 7305

Open sores that develop on the inside lining of your stomach or upper small intestine, causing burning pain and sometimes bleeding. The VA rates peptic ulcer disease based on the frequency and severity of episodes.

Rating Levels

You have severe peptic ulcer disease with pain only partially relieved by standard therapy, periodic vomiting, recurring hematemesis (vomiting blood) or melena (bloody stool) with anemia, and weight loss.

What the VA looks for

Pain only partially relieved by standard therapy
Periodic vomiting documented
Hematemesis or melena
Anemia on lab work
Significant weight loss documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting every ulcer flare-up with duration, symptoms, and treatments received — the rating depends on episode frequency and length.
⚠Not getting an endoscopy to confirm active or healed ulcers — objective evidence of ulcer disease is critical.
⚠Not connecting peptic ulcer disease to NSAID use for service-connected musculoskeletal conditions or to H. pylori infection acquired during service.
⚠Not reporting weight loss, which is a key factor in the 40% and 60% ratings.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Esophageal Conditions
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…