A condition where the lining of the esophagus changes due to chronic acid exposure, increasing cancer risk.
Because the rating levels depend on pathologic diagnosis, the most critical evidence is a pathology report—such as results from an esophageal biopsy—that documents whether high-grade or low-grade dysplasia is present. Endoscopy reports are also relevant because they describe the extent of the Barrett's changes seen during the procedure and typically prompt the biopsies that lead to a pathologic diagnosis.
If you have an esophageal stricture alongside your Barrett's esophagus, records showing swallowing difficulty, imaging, or esophageal dilation procedures would be relevant to rating under DC 7203. If you have undergone surgery, radiofrequency ablation, or other treatment, operative reports and post-treatment records documenting any remaining symptoms or complications would help establish residuals. Statements from you or others describing how symptoms affect eating, daily activities, or work can support the overall picture shown in the medical records.
Conditions that are often caused or made worse by this one. If you have any of these, they may be claimable as secondary service connection.
