Esophageal cancer

Because the regulation requires findings documented by barium swallow, CT scan, or esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), imaging or endoscopy reports are central to any rating under this code. Records showing the specific procedure used — and how often it was performed — directly support the 30%, 50%, and 80% levels. For example, procedure logs or clinical notes counting the number of dilatations per year, records of steroid use during dilatation, or records of stent placement support a 50% rating. Surgical operative reports or documentation of PEG tube placement, combined with records of aspiration events, undernutrition, or weight measurements showing substantial weight loss, support an 80% rating.

For the 10% level, prescription records and clinical notes confirming daily medication use to control dysphagia are relevant. Statements from you or those who know you describing how swallowing difficulty affects eating, daily activities, or work can help show the impact of your symptoms at any level. Records defining whether your stricture meets the regulatory definitions of "recurrent" or "refractory" — including the number and timing of dilatation sessions — also bear directly on the rating assigned.