Narrative:

While flying the RNAV arrival into ZZZ; the initial approach controller gave us a descend via the RNAV arrival. We requested an RNAV Z approach with him and he said expect that. Prior to the zzzzz intersection the controller gave us 'descend to 7;000 feet.' then; we were handed off. Upon check-in with '(call sign) seven thousand)' the controller said 'descend via the zzzzz 2 arrival; expect the ILS ...' I replied with 'we can't descend via there's not a published altitude to descend to.' the controller said there is. I replied that I believed the last published altitude to descend to was 12;000 feet at [fix] intersection; now 10-15 miles behind us; so I demanded an assignment of a numeric altitude to help clear the confusion.approach said 'descend and maintain 5;100 feet.' he said 'I show [fix] intersection at 7;000 feet.' I replied 'yes I see that now.' I discussed this with my first officer and we both agreed that this is not a valid descend to altitude. I asked approach if he had a minute for a question. He did. I told him we [wish to] clarify some information; and could he explain his thinking. The controller said 'I see [fix] at 7;000 feet. I understand you are using jepps plates. I'm using ICAO.' but ZZZZZ1 and ZZZZZ2 are also listed at 7;000 feet and both jepps and ICAO plates are identical. 7;000 feet on this arrival is a minimum enroute altitude. It is not a valid descend via altitude. Per jepps briefing bulletin 16-A1 jepps SID/STAR-5 in the jeppesen airways manual; published intersections on a STAR are listed in bold blue with lines above and below to define at; at or above; and at or below requirements. Minimum enroute altitudes are black without bold or lines above and below.I think the controller was confused and having a bad day without a paycheck. I know our approach controllers are exceptionally well trained and professional. I think this was just a mistake with an unusual new chart. However; it may be worth reviewing this particular STAR because most STAR arrivals do not list minimum en route altitudes after the last published descend via altitude.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: Air carrier pilot reported a communication breakdown with ATC regarding a descend via clearance.

Narrative: While flying the RNAV Arrival into ZZZ; the initial Approach Controller gave us a descend via the RNAV Arrival. We requested an RNAV Z Approach with him and he said expect that. Prior to the ZZZZZ intersection the Controller gave us 'descend to 7;000 feet.' Then; we were handed off. Upon check-in with '(call sign) seven thousand)' the Controller said 'descend via the ZZZZZ 2 Arrival; expect the ILS ...' I replied with 'We can't descend via there's not a published altitude to descend to.' The Controller said there is. I replied that I believed the last published altitude to descend to was 12;000 feet at [fix] intersection; now 10-15 miles behind us; so I demanded an assignment of a numeric altitude to help clear the confusion.Approach said 'descend and maintain 5;100 feet.' He said 'I show [fix] intersection at 7;000 feet.' I replied 'Yes I see that now.' I discussed this with my First Officer and we both agreed that this is not a valid descend to altitude. I asked Approach if he had a minute for a question. He did. I told him we [wish to] clarify some information; and could he explain his thinking. The Controller said 'I see [fix] at 7;000 feet. I understand you are using Jepps plates. I'm using ICAO.' But ZZZZZ1 and ZZZZZ2 are also listed at 7;000 feet and both Jepps and ICAO plates are identical. 7;000 feet on this arrival is a minimum enroute altitude. It is not a valid descend via altitude. Per Jepps briefing bulletin 16-A1 Jepps SID/STAR-5 in the Jeppesen Airways Manual; published intersections on a STAR are listed in bold blue with lines above and below to define at; at or above; and at or below requirements. Minimum enroute altitudes are black without bold or lines above and below.I think the Controller was confused and having a bad day without a paycheck. I know our Approach Controllers are exceptionally well trained and professional. I think this was just a mistake with an unusual new chart. However; it may be worth reviewing this particular STAR because most STAR arrivals do not list minimum en route altitudes after the last published descend via altitude.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.