An abnormal pouch or sac that develops in the wall of the esophagus, acquired after birth.
Because this condition is rated under the esophageal stricture criteria, your records need to show both the existence of a diverticulum and the severity of its effects. Imaging or procedural records are required: a barium swallow study, CT scan, or esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) that documents the diverticulum and any associated stricture.
For the 10% level, records showing a prescription for daily medications to manage dysphagia, along with notes confirming the diagnosis, would be relevant. For the 30% level, procedure logs or gastroenterology notes showing dilatation performed no more than twice in a year support that tier. For the 50% level, records showing three or more dilatations per year, steroid-assisted dilatation, or stent placement are key. For the 80% level, records documenting aspiration events, nutritional assessments showing undernutrition, weight measurements showing substantial weight loss under § 4.112(a), and operative or procedural notes confirming surgical correction or PEG tube placement would be most relevant. Statements from you or those who know you describing how swallowing difficulties affect eating, work, and daily activities can help show the practical impact of your symptoms.
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.
