Plain-language summaries explain the text; they do not decide whether any level applies.
80%
Official criteria
Documented history of recurrent or refractory esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia with at least one of the symptoms present: (1) aspiration, (2) undernutrition, and/or (3) substantial weight loss as defined by § 4.112(a) and treatment with either surgical correction of esophageal stricture(s) or percutaneous esophago-gastrointestinal tube (PEG tube)
Plain-language summary
This level requires the listed documented stricture, dysphagia, complication, and surgical-correction or PEG-tube elements.
50%
Official criteria
Documented history of recurrent or refractory esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia which requires at least one of the following (1) dilatation 3 or more times per year, (2) dilatation using steroids at least one time per year, or (3) esophageal stent placement
Plain-language summary
This level requires recurrent/refractory stricture with dysphagia and one of the listed treatment frequencies or stent placement.
30%
Official criteria
Documented history of recurrent esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia which requires dilatation no more than 2 times per year
Plain-language summary
Recurrent stricture with dysphagia requires dilation no more than twice per year.
10%
Official criteria
Documented history of esophageal stricture(s) that requires daily medications to control dysphagia otherwise asymptomatic
Plain-language summary
Daily medication controls dysphagia from documented stricture and the condition is otherwise asymptomatic.
0%
Official criteria
Documented history without daily symptoms or requirement for daily medications
Plain-language summary
The documented history does not involve daily symptoms or daily medication.
Source record
38 CFR § 4.114—Schedule of ratings, digestive system
38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7206 · Effective May 19, 2024 · Reviewed Sep 11, 2026