Visceroptosis

DC 7342Digestive38 CFR 4.114, DC 7342

A condition in which one or more abdominal organs (stomach, intestines, kidneys) drop below their normal position, causing chronic abdominal discomfort, bloating, early satiety, and digestive problems. The VA rates visceroptosis based on the severity of GI symptoms and their impact on nutrition and daily functioning.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how much it affects your ability to work and carry out daily activities. The examiner will focus on the functional limitations your condition causes, not just the diagnosis itself.

Diagnostic code

DC 7342

Rating range

10% – 40%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.114, DC 7342. 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 visceroptosis with pronounced symptoms including chronic nausea, vomiting, significant weight loss, and malnutrition. The organ displacement substantially impairs your ability to eat normally and maintain weight.

What the VA looks for

Chronic nausea and vomiting
Significant weight loss and malnutrition
Nutritional supplementation or tube feeding required
Severe organ displacement documented on imaging
Substantial impairment of daily functioning

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting imaging studies that clearly show the organ displacement — barium swallow, upper GI series, or CT scan in the upright position (not just supine) demonstrating the ptosis is essential.
⚠Not documenting nutritional decline — serial weight measurements, body mass index trends, and lab values showing protein or vitamin deficiencies directly support higher ratings.
⚠Not describing the functional impact on eating — detail how quickly you feel full, how many meals you can eat per day, what types of food you can tolerate, and whether you need to lie down after eating.
⚠Not connecting to service-related causes — abdominal surgeries during service, significant weight changes, or trauma can cause or aggravate visceroptosis.

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…

Visceroptosis

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7342

Rating range

10% – 40%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Chronic nausea and vomiting
Significant weight loss and malnutrition
Nutritional supplementation or tube feeding required
Severe organ displacement documented on imaging
Substantial impairment of daily functioning

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting imaging studies that clearly show the organ displacement — barium swallow, upper GI series, or CT scan in the upright position (not just supine) demonstrating the ptosis is essential.

⚠Not documenting nutritional decline — serial weight measurements, body mass index trends, and lab values showing protein or vitamin deficiencies directly support higher ratings.

⚠Not describing the functional impact on eating — detail how quickly you feel full, how many meals you can eat per day, what types of food you can tolerate, and whether you need to lie down after eating.

⚠Not connecting to service-related causes — abdominal surgeries during service, significant weight changes, or trauma can cause or aggravate visceroptosis.