Hypertrophic Gastritis / Stomach Stenosis

DC 7309Digestive38 CFR 4.114, DC 7309

A condition involving chronic inflammation and thickening of the stomach lining (hypertrophic gastritis) or narrowing of the stomach outlet (stenosis), which can obstruct the passage of food. The VA rates this condition based on symptom severity, nutritional impact, and the degree of obstruction.

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 7309

Rating range

10% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.114, DC 7309. 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 hypertrophic gastritis with significant stenosis or near-obstruction of the stomach outlet. You have chronic vomiting, severe weight loss, and malnutrition. You may have required surgical intervention or dilation procedures.

What the VA looks for

Significant gastric outlet stenosis on imaging or endoscopy
Chronic vomiting and inability to tolerate solid foods
Severe weight loss and malnutrition
Dilation procedures or surgical intervention
General debility limiting daily activities

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting serial endoscopies — hypertrophic gastritis is diagnosed by gastroscopy, and repeat exams showing progression of mucosal thickening support a worsening claim.
⚠Not documenting dietary restrictions — keep a food diary showing what you can and cannot eat. If you are limited to liquids or pureed foods due to stenosis, document this thoroughly.
⚠Not connecting the condition to service — chronic NSAID use for service-connected musculoskeletal conditions is a common cause of gastritis. H. pylori infection acquired during service is another potential nexus.
⚠Not reporting all vomiting episodes — if you are vomiting after meals, document every episode. Frequency of vomiting is a key factor in differentiating between rating levels.

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…

Hypertrophic Gastritis / Stomach Stenosis

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 7309

Rating range

10% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Significant gastric outlet stenosis on imaging or endoscopy
Chronic vomiting and inability to tolerate solid foods
Severe weight loss and malnutrition
Dilation procedures or surgical intervention
General debility limiting daily activities

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting serial endoscopies — hypertrophic gastritis is diagnosed by gastroscopy, and repeat exams showing progression of mucosal thickening support a worsening claim.

⚠Not documenting dietary restrictions — keep a food diary showing what you can and cannot eat. If you are limited to liquids or pureed foods due to stenosis, document this thoroughly.

⚠Not connecting the condition to service — chronic NSAID use for service-connected musculoskeletal conditions is a common cause of gastritis. H. pylori infection acquired during service is another potential nexus.

⚠Not reporting all vomiting episodes — if you are vomiting after meals, document every episode. Frequency of vomiting is a key factor in differentiating between rating levels.