Postgastrectomy Syndromes (Dumping)

DC 7308Digestive38 CFR 4.114, DC 7308

Symptoms that develop after surgical removal of all or part of the stomach (gastrectomy), most commonly dumping syndrome. Dumping syndrome occurs when food moves too quickly from the stomach into the small intestine, causing nausea, cramping, diarrhea, dizziness, and sweating after eating. The VA rates postgastrectomy syndromes based on symptom severity and nutritional impact.

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 7308

Rating range

20% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.114, DC 7308. 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 dumping syndrome with nausea and sweating after every meal, chronic diarrhea, and hypoglycemic symptoms. You have significant weight loss and your condition is associated with malnutrition and general debility despite maximal dietary management.

What the VA looks for

Dumping symptoms after most or all meals
Chronic diarrhea and malabsorption
Significant weight loss and malnutrition on labs
Severe reactive hypoglycemia requiring monitoring
General debility limiting daily activities and work

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not linking dumping syndrome back to the gastrectomy — the surgery itself must be service-connected. If the gastrectomy was performed for a service-connected condition (ulcer disease, gastric cancer from herbicide exposure), the dumping syndrome is a direct residual.
⚠Not getting a glucose tolerance test — reactive hypoglycemia is a hallmark of dumping syndrome and objectively demonstrates the severity. A glucose tolerance test showing rapid rise and sharp drop confirms the condition.
⚠Not documenting weight loss trajectory — serial weights showing progressive loss from your pre-surgery baseline are essential. Monthly weigh-ins documented in medical records support a higher rating.
⚠Not describing the full range of symptoms at C&P — dumping syndrome is more than just diarrhea. Describe flushing, sweating, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, cramping, and the timing of symptoms relative to meals.

Related DBQ Forms

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…

Postgastrectomy Syndromes (Dumping)

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 7308

Rating range

20% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Dumping symptoms after most or all meals
Chronic diarrhea and malabsorption
Significant weight loss and malnutrition on labs
Severe reactive hypoglycemia requiring monitoring
General debility limiting daily activities and work

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not linking dumping syndrome back to the gastrectomy — the surgery itself must be service-connected. If the gastrectomy was performed for a service-connected condition (ulcer disease, gastric cancer from herbicide exposure), the dumping syndrome is a direct residual.

⚠Not getting a glucose tolerance test — reactive hypoglycemia is a hallmark of dumping syndrome and objectively demonstrates the severity. A glucose tolerance test showing rapid rise and sharp drop confirms the condition.

⚠Not documenting weight loss trajectory — serial weights showing progressive loss from your pre-surgery baseline are essential. Monthly weigh-ins documented in medical records support a higher rating.

⚠Not describing the full range of symptoms at C&P — dumping syndrome is more than just diarrhea. Describe flushing, sweating, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, cramping, and the timing of symptoms relative to meals.