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Evidence checklist

Esophageal Stricture

DC 720338 CFR § 4.114Digestive

Evidence strength

Mark what you already have below and your evidence strength appears here.

Target
Saved locally
01

Specialist opinion

Highest value0 of 3 collected
Barium swallow study documenting stricture location and severityCritical

Barium esophagogram documenting the narrowing location (upper, mid, distal esophagus), length, and degree of luminal narrowing, and any associated mucosal abnormalities.

Private provider · independent opinion
Upper endoscopy with dilation recordsCritical

EGD reports documenting stricture visualization, biopsy results, and dilation procedures (bougie or balloon) with size progression over time. Dilation frequency documents severity.

Private provider · independent opinion
Nexus opinion linking esophageal stricture to service ("at least as likely as not")Critical

A medical opinion connecting stricture formation to service-connected GERD, caustic ingestion during service, radiation therapy for service-connected cancer, or post-surgical scarring from in-service procedures.

Private provider · independent opinion
02

Treating physician

0 of 1 collected
Dysphagia severity documentation

Clinical documentation of swallowing difficulty, including Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) scores or similar functional dysphagia assessment. This is supporting context: DC 7203 no longer rates on whether you are on solids, soft foods, or liquids. The findings it counts are the documented recurrent or refractory stricture and the treatment it requires.

Your treating provider · written request
03

Treatment records

0 of 1 collected
Dilation procedure frequency documentation

Records tracking how frequently you require esophageal dilation procedures — monthly dilations indicate severe, refractory stricture disease.

VA or private records · written request
04

Lay statements

0 of 2 collected
Buddy statement from spouse, family, or fellow service member

A written statement from someone who can describe observable symptoms and how your condition affects daily life.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
Personal statement describing symptoms and functional impact

Your own written account of how this condition affects your daily activities, work, and relationships. Describe your worst days.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
05

Benefits questionnaire

0 of 1 collected
Completed DBQ Esophageal ConditionsCritical

Standardized form capturing stricture location, dysphagia severity, dilation requirements, weight impact, and functional limitations.

Provider-completed · VA DBQ formHow to get this →
06

Service records

0 of 1 collected
Service treatment records (STRs)Critical

Military medical records showing in-service treatment, complaints, or injuries related to this condition.

NPRC / milConnect · SF-180
Condition guideRating criteria and what VA looks forBuddy statement builderGuided VA Form 21-10210

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.