This reference uses VA rating codes. For a code from a medical record, check ICD-10-CM and the service date. A clinical code alone does not establish a VA rating or a matching VA diagnostic code.
Esophagus, stricture of
Digestive · 38 CFR § 4.114
Diagnostic Code 7203 is the VASRD entry for Esophagus, stricture of. VA applies the controlling criteria, shared formulas, and special instructions shown in 38 CFR Part 4. VMC presents this material for education and reference; it does not determine a Veteran's diagnosis, service connection, or evaluation.
Recorded index labels
These labels are already stored for this diagnostic code. They are not a new condition, rating, or medical relationship.
Appendix B
- Esophagus, stricture.
Appendix C
- Stricture
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Source-verified VASRD criteria
How VA rates this diagnostic code
These percentages summarize the regulatory criteria already mapped to this diagnostic code. They do not predict a Veteran's individual evaluation or establish service connection.
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 or percutaneous esophago-gastrointestinal tube (PEG tube)
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
Documented history of recurrent esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia which requires dilatation no more than 2 times per year
Documented history of esophageal stricture(s) that requires daily medications to control dysphagia otherwise asymptomatic
Documented history without daily symptoms or requirement for daily medications
Regulatory notes
- Note (1): Findings must be documented by barium swallow, computerized tomography, or esophagogastroduodenoscopy.
- Note (2): Non-gastrointestinal complications of procedures should be rated under the appropriate system.
- Note (3): This diagnostic code applies, but is not limited to, esophagitis, mechanical or chemical; Mallory Weiss syndrome (bleeding at junction of esophagus and stomach due to tears) due to caustic ingestion of alkali or acid; drug-induced or infectious esophagitis due to Candida, virus, or other organism; idiopathic eosinophilic, or lymphocytic esophagitis; esophagitis due to radiation therapy; esophagitis due to peptic stricture; and any esophageal condition that requires treatment with sclerotherapy.
- Note (4): Recurrent esophageal stricture is defined as the inability to maintain target esophageal diameter beyond 4 weeks after the target diameter has been achieved.
- Note (5): Refractory esophageal stricture is defined as the inability to achieve target esophageal diameter despite receiving no fewer than 5 dilatation sessions performed at 2-week intervals.
Body system and anatomy metadata
Body system: Digestive
Anatomy / region tags: digestive system
These tags support discovery and body-map compatibility. They do not establish Veteran-specific laterality or entitlement.
Official VA DBQ references
DBQ catalog: va-dbq-2026.09.16 · Retrieved 2026-09-16. Official VA inventory ↗
- Esophageal Disorders ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Gastrointestinal
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
- Gallbladder ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Gastrointestinal
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
- Hernias (Including Abdominal, Inguinal and Femoral Hernias) ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Gastrointestinal
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
- Intestinal Conditions ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Gastrointestinal
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
- Liver Conditions ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Gastrointestinal
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
- Pancreas ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Gastrointestinal
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
- Peritoneal Adhesions ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Gastrointestinal
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
- Rectum & Anus ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Gastrointestinal
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
- Stomach and Duodenum ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Gastrointestinal
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
VA maintains some examination forms that are not available for public use. VMC does not infer a one-code-to-one-DBQ relationship.
Evidence information
When reviewing the criteria, useful evidence categories can include diagnosis and treatment records, objective testing identified by the schedule, documented frequency/duration/severity when the criteria use those concepts, and functional effects described in medical or lay evidence. The relevant evidence depends on the actual claim and medical facts.
VMC does not diagnose conditions, guarantee a percentage, or advise anyone to exaggerate symptoms.
Legal basis and source identification
38 CFR § 4.114 · Source current through 2026-08-06 · Verified 2026-08-10
Registry content release: vasrd-registry-2026.08.1