VA Disability Rating for Peptic Ulcer Disease
Rated 10–60% based on severity, recurrence, anemia, and pain frequency.
Gastric ulcer (DC 7304) and duodenal ulcer (DC 7305) are rated by severity, frequency of recurrence, and complications such as anemia, weight loss, or hemorrhage. H. pylori eradication does not eliminate the rating — residual symptoms and recurrence still count.
Rating tiers + 2026 monthly compensation
| Rating | Monthly (2026, single vet) | Criteria (summary) |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 | Mild — with recurring symptoms once or twice per year. |
| 20% | $356.66 | Moderate — recurring episodes of severe symptoms 2 or 3 times per year averaging 10 days in duration; OR continuous moderate manifestations. |
| 40% | $795.84 | Moderately severe — less than severe but with impairment of health manifested by anemia and weight loss; OR recurrent incapacitating episodes averaging 10 days or more in duration at least 4 or more times per year. |
| 60% | $1,435.02 | Severe — pain only partially relieved by standard ulcer therapy, periodic vomiting, recurrent hematemesis or melena, with manifestations of anemia and weight loss productive of definite impairment of health. |
Dollar amounts reflect the 2.5% COLA effective 2025-12-01 for single veterans with no dependents. Add spouse + children for 30%+ ratings via the estimator.
What this means in dollars
- →At 10%: $180.42/mo · $2,165/year, tax-free
- →At 20%: $356.66/mo · $4,280/year, tax-free
- →At 40%: $795.84/mo · $9,550/year, tax-free
- →At 60%: $1,435.02/mo · $17,220/year, tax-free
How to get rated for peptic ulcer disease
- Endoscopy or imaging confirming ulcer.
- Treatment records — frequency of flares, hospitalizations, transfusions.
- Lab work for anemia (CBC, ferritin), weight loss documentation.
Common secondary conditions
- +GERD
- +Anemia
- +Anxiety
File these separately. VA rates each service-connected condition independently and combines them via § 4.25.
Nexus tips
- In-service stressors + NSAID use (common for service-connected joint pain) support the nexus.
- Often secondary to service-connected mental health condition (stress-related ulcer).
Frequently asked
My ulcer healed after H. pylori treatment. Will my rating drop to 0%?
Only if you have no recurring symptoms. If you still have episodic pain, dietary restrictions, or PPI dependence, file for at least the 10% rating.
Ready to act on this?
Get a full rating estimate across your conditions, or draft the nexus letter your doctor needs to sign.
Related conditions
This page summarizes public rating criteria from 38 CFR Part 4. It is not legal or medical advice. Actual VA ratings depend on C&P exam findings, records review, and rater discretion.