A condition where part of the stomach pushes upward through the diaphragm opening or alongside the esophagus.
Because findings must be documented by barium swallow, computerized tomography, or esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), imaging or endoscopy reports are central to any rating. These records should show the presence and severity of stricture, whether it recurs or is refractory, and the treatments used.
For a 10% rating, prescription records or treatment notes showing daily medication use to manage dysphagia are helpful. For a 30% rating, procedural records documenting dilatation and the frequency at which it was performed — no more than twice a year — support that level. For a 50% rating, records showing dilatation three or more times per year, steroid-assisted dilatation at least once yearly, or stent placement are relevant. The regulatory definitions of recurrent stricture (inability to maintain target diameter beyond four weeks) and refractory stricture (inability to achieve target diameter after at least five dilatation sessions at two-week intervals) may also appear in procedural notes.
For an 80% rating, medical records documenting aspiration events, undernutrition, or substantial weight loss — alongside surgical or PEG tube treatment — would reflect that level of severity. Statements from you or treating providers describing how swallowing difficulty affects eating, nutrition, and daily activities can help illustrate the overall disability picture.
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.
