Evidence checklist
Dysphagia (Difficulty Swallowing)
Evidence strength
Mark what you already have below and your evidence strength appears here.
Specialist opinion
Highest value0 of 2 collectedModified barium swallow study or upper endoscopy results documenting the nature and severity of swallowing difficulty, stricture, or obstruction.
Not marked
A medical opinion connecting your dysphagia to service-connected GERD, TBI, surgical scarring, or other service-related cause.
Not marked
Treating physician
0 of 1 collectedRecords from your physician or speech pathologist documenting dietary modifications required (soft foods, liquids only, thickened liquids). Note that the current DC 7203 ladder does not rate on diet consistency — this is supporting context. What the code counts is daily medication, dilatations per year, steroid-assisted dilatation, a stent, and aspiration or substantial weight loss with surgery or a feeding tube.
Not marked
Treatment records
0 of 2 collectedMedical records documenting weight loss attributable to difficulty swallowing, with serial weight measurements over time.
Not marked
Hospitalization or treatment records for aspiration pneumonia episodes caused by swallowing dysfunction.
Not marked
Lay statements
0 of 2 collectedA written statement from someone who can describe observable symptoms and how your condition affects daily life.
Not marked
Your own written account of how this condition affects your daily activities, work, and relationships. Describe your worst days.
Not marked
Benefits questionnaire
0 of 1 collectedStandardized form capturing swallowing study results, dietary restrictions, weight impact, and functional limitations.
Not marked
Service records
0 of 1 collectedMilitary medical records showing in-service treatment, complaints, or injuries related to this condition.
Not marked
What you mark here is saved in this browser, on this device only — not to an account. Changing the target rating shows different items, but never loses what you have already marked.