Evidence Checklist: Gastroparesis
DC 7308
Significant gaps — claim likely to be denied or underrated
Specialist Opinion (Highest Value)
Nuclear medicine gastric emptying scintigraphy (4-hour solid study)Critical
A standardized 4-hour technetium-labeled solid-meal gastric emptying study showing delayed gastric emptying (>10% retention at 4 hours per consensus guidelines). This is the definitive diagnostic test.
Nexus opinion linking gastroparesis to service ("at least as likely as not")Critical
A medical opinion connecting gastroparesis to service-connected diabetes (diabetic gastroparesis), post-surgical causes from in-service abdominal surgery, or post-viral etiology after deployment illness.
Treating Physician
Service-connected diabetes documentation (if claiming as secondary)
Records establishing the causal connection between service-connected diabetic neuropathy affecting the vagus nerve and gastroparesis onset.
Treatment Records
Treatment records (prokinetics, antiemetics, gastric stimulator, tube feeding)
Records documenting metoclopramide, erythromycin, domperidone therapy, gastric electrical stimulator implantation, or jejunal tube feeding — severity of treatment required documents functional impairment.
Lay Statements & Personal Documentation
Symptom documentation (nausea, vomiting, early satiety, weight loss)Critical
Medical records or personal log documenting the frequency and severity of gastroparesis symptoms — nausea, vomiting, postprandial fullness, early satiety, and bloating — including impact on nutrition.
Buddy statement from spouse, family, or fellow service member
A written statement from someone who can describe observable symptoms and how your condition affects daily life.
Personal statement describing symptoms and functional impact
Your own written account of how this condition affects your daily activities, work, and relationships. Describe your worst days.
Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ)
Completed DBQ Stomach and Duodenal ConditionsCritical
Standardized form capturing gastric emptying results, symptom frequency and severity, weight impact, and treatment requirements.
Service Records
Service treatment records (STRs)Critical
Military medical records showing in-service treatment, complaints, or injuries related to this condition.