Portal Hypertension

DC 7312Digestive38 CFR 4.114, DC 7312

Abnormally high blood pressure in the portal vein system that carries blood from the digestive organs to the liver. This is usually caused by liver cirrhosis or scarring and can lead to enlarged veins (varices) in the esophagus and stomach, fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites), and enlarged spleen. The VA rates portal hypertension under the liver cirrhosis criteria.

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 7312

Rating range

30% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.114, DC 7312. 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 portal hypertension with generalized weakness, significant weight loss, persistent jaundice, or hepatic encephalopathy, with ascites that requires frequent treatment. Or near-constant debilitating symptoms.

What the VA looks for

Refractory ascites requiring frequent paracentesis
Persistent jaundice documented
Generalized weakness and substantial weight loss
Refractory hepatic encephalopathy
Refractory variceal bleeding
Liver transplant evaluation or listing

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting every episode of ascites, variceal bleeding, or hepatic encephalopathy with ER and hospital records — the rating depends on how many episodes occur per year and how recently.
⚠Not getting regular endoscopies to document and monitor esophageal and gastric varices — the size and grade of varices support the severity of portal hypertension.
⚠Not connecting portal hypertension to the underlying liver disease — if hepatitis C, alcohol-related liver disease, or toxic exposures during service caused the cirrhosis, portal hypertension should be claimed as a secondary condition.
⚠Not separately claiming hepatic encephalopathy symptoms — confusion, memory problems, and cognitive impairment from liver disease may qualify for additional neurological or mental health ratings.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Liver Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

Portal Hypertension

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7312

Rating range

30% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Refractory ascites requiring frequent paracentesis
Persistent jaundice documented
Generalized weakness and substantial weight loss
Refractory hepatic encephalopathy
Refractory variceal bleeding
Liver transplant evaluation or listing

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting every episode of ascites, variceal bleeding, or hepatic encephalopathy with ER and hospital records — the rating depends on how many episodes occur per year and how recently.

⚠Not getting regular endoscopies to document and monitor esophageal and gastric varices — the size and grade of varices support the severity of portal hypertension.

⚠Not connecting portal hypertension to the underlying liver disease — if hepatitis C, alcohol-related liver disease, or toxic exposures during service caused the cirrhosis, portal hypertension should be claimed as a secondary condition.

⚠Not separately claiming hepatic encephalopathy symptoms — confusion, memory problems, and cognitive impairment from liver disease may qualify for additional neurological or mental health ratings.