Peptic Ulcer, Moderate

DC 7316Digestive38 CFR 4.114, DC 7316

A sore that develops on the lining of the stomach or duodenum, causing burning abdominal pain, nausea, and potential bleeding. The VA rates duodenal ulcer disease based on the frequency and severity of episodes, need for dietary restrictions, and response to treatment.

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 7316

Rating range

10% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.114, DC 7316. 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 ulcer disease with pain only partially relieved by standard ulcer therapy, periodic vomiting, recurrent hematemesis or melena with manifestations of anemia and weight loss productive of definite impairment of health.

What the VA looks for

Pain only partially relieved by medication
Periodic vomiting
Recurrent hematemesis (vomiting blood) or melena (bloody stool)
Anemia and weight loss with definite health impairment
Multiple hospitalizations for ulcer complications

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting repeat endoscopy to document active or recurrent ulceration — the VA needs objective proof of an active or recently healed ulcer, not just symptoms.
⚠Not documenting H. pylori testing and treatment — untreated H. pylori can explain recurrence, and documentation of treatment attempts shows the condition is refractory.
⚠Not reporting GI bleeding episodes — even small amounts of blood in stool (melena) should be documented by fecal occult blood testing, as GI bleeding supports a higher rating.
⚠Not connecting the ulcer to service — stress, NSAID use for service-connected musculoskeletal conditions, and H. pylori exposure during deployment are common nexus pathways.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Stomach and Duodenal Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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Peptic Ulcer, Moderate

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 7316

Rating range

10% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Pain only partially relieved by medication
Periodic vomiting
Recurrent hematemesis (vomiting blood) or melena (bloody stool)
Anemia and weight loss with definite health impairment
Multiple hospitalizations for ulcer complications

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting repeat endoscopy to document active or recurrent ulceration — the VA needs objective proof of an active or recently healed ulcer, not just symptoms.

⚠Not documenting H. pylori testing and treatment — untreated H. pylori can explain recurrence, and documentation of treatment attempts shows the condition is refractory.

⚠Not reporting GI bleeding episodes — even small amounts of blood in stool (melena) should be documented by fecal occult blood testing, as GI bleeding supports a higher rating.

⚠Not connecting the ulcer to service — stress, NSAID use for service-connected musculoskeletal conditions, and H. pylori exposure during deployment are common nexus pathways.