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.
Chronic complications of upper gastrointestinal surgery
Digestive · 38 CFR § 4.114
Diagnostic Code 7303 is the VASRD entry for Chronic complications of upper gastrointestinal surgery. 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 C
- Surgery, complications of
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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.
Requiring continuous total parenteral nutrition (TPN) or tube feeding for a period longer than 30 consecutive days in the last six months
Any one of the following symptoms with or without pain: (1) daily vomiting despite oral dietary modification or medication; (2) six or more watery bowel movements per day every day, or explosive bowel movements that are difficult to predict or control; (3) post-prandial (meal-induced) light-headedness (syncope) with sweating and the need for medications to specifically treat complications of upper gastrointestinal surgery such as dumping syndrome or delayed gastric emptying
With two or more of the following symptoms: (1) vomiting two or more times per week or vomiting despite medical treatment; (2) discomfort or pain within an hour of eating and requiring ongoing oral dietary modification; (3) three to five watery bowel movements per day every day
With either nausea or vomiting managed by ongoing medical treatment
Post-operative status, asymptomatic
Regulatory notes
- Note (1): For resection of small intestine, use DC 7328.
- Note (2): If pancreatic surgery results in a vitamin or mineral deficiency (e.g., B12, iron, calcium, or fat-soluble vitamins), evaluate under the appropriate vitamin/mineral deficiency code and assign the higher rating. For example, evaluate Vitamin A, B, C or D deficiencies under DC 6313; ocular manifestations of vitamin deficiencies, such as night blindness, under DC 6313; keratitis or keratomalacia due to Vitamin A deficiency under DC 6001; Vitamin E deficiency under neuropathy; and Vitamin K deficiency under prolonged clotting (e.g., DC 7705).
- Note (3): This diagnostic code includes operations performed on the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, and small intestine, including bariatric surgery.
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