The schedule names this one directly
§4.114, DC 7204 is the esophageal motility disorder code. Its note states that the code applies to, but is not limited to, achalasia, diffuse esophageal spasm, corkscrew esophagus, nutcracker esophagus — and esophageal rings, including Schatzki rings.
Evaluation is then made as esophagus, stricture of, under DC 7203.
That cross-reference is the whole point. The diagnostic label does not carry its own percentages; the stricture ladder does.
| DC 7203 level | Criterion |
|---|---|
| 80% | Recurrent or refractory stricture with dysphagia, plus aspiration, undernutrition and/or substantial weight loss, requiring surgical correction or PEG tube |
| 50% | Recurrent or refractory stricture requiring dilatation three or more times yearly, annual steroid-assisted dilatation, or stent |
| 30% | Recurrent stricture requiring dilatation no more than twice yearly |
| 10% | Stricture requiring daily medication to control dysphagia |
| 0% | No daily symptoms or daily medication requirement |
The notes define recurrent (unable to maintain target diameter beyond four weeks after achieving it) and refractory (unable to achieve target diameter despite at least five dilatation sessions at two-week intervals). Findings must be documented by barium swallow, CT or endoscopy.
What to gather
The endoscopy or imaging report identifying the ring. Dysphagia, described concretely — what food, how often, whether anything has lodged. Every dilatation with its date and method, since the 30% and 50% levels are separated by frequency and technique. Medication and whether it is daily. Any complication from the 80% list.
If you also carry other diagnoses
GERD, EoE and hiatal hernia all route into these same criteria. One dilatation cannot be counted under several codes — see §4.14. Service connection remains a separate question from severity.
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Reviewed October 6, 2026