VA Disability Ratings for GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease): From 0% to 80%
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a prevalent condition among veterans, characterized by the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus, leading to symptoms like heartburn, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing.
The VA rates GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7206, with ratings of 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, or 80%, depending on the severity of symptoms.
GERD VA ratings are based on factors such as dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), weight loss, and the presence of esophageal strictures or other impairments.
Note: A 10% VA disability rating for GERD can be awarded without imaging to confirm esophageal strictures, so long as the veteran requires daily medication to manage their symptoms.
Understanding GERD and Its Impact on Veterans
GERD occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter weakens or relaxes inappropriately, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus.
This can result in symptoms such as:
- Persistent heartburn
- Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
- Chest pain
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Sensation of a lump in the throat
- Chronic cough or laryngitis
- Disrupted sleep due to discomfort
For veterans, GERD can be service-connected, especially if it was caused or made worse during military service.
Factors such as stress, dietary changes, and certain medications commonly used during service can contribute to the development or worsening of GERD.
VA Disability Ratings for GERD
Effective May 19, 2024, the VA has updated its rating criteria for digestive disorders, including GERD.
Previously, GERD was rated analogously under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7346 for hiatal hernia.
With the new updates, GERD now has its own specific DC 7206, allowing for more precise evaluations.
The VA assigns disability ratings for GERD based on the severity of symptoms and their impact on a veteran’s daily life and earning capacity.
The ratings range from 0% to 80%, with higher percentages indicating more severe impairment.
Detailed VA Rating Criteria for GERD
Here’s a breakdown of the VA disability ratings for GERD from 0 percent to 80 percent under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7206:
80% VA Rating for GERD:
Criteria: Documented history of recurrent or refractory esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia, with at least one of the following:
- Aspiration (food or liquid entering the lungs)
- Undernutrition
- Substantial weight loss (as defined by § 4.112(a))
- Requires treatment such as surgical correction of esophageal strictures or a PEG tube (percutaneous esophago-gastrointestinal tube).
Example: A veteran with severe esophageal strictures struggles to swallow both liquids and solids, leading to aspiration pneumonia and substantial weight loss. A PEG tube is inserted to allow proper nutrition.
50% VA Rating for GERD:
Criteria: Documented history of recurrent or refractory esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia that requires at least one of the following:
- Dilation 3 or more times per year
- Dilation using steroids at least one time per year
- Esophageal stent placement
Example: A veteran with recurrent esophageal strictures requires dilation procedures four times a year to maintain esophageal function and avoid severe swallowing difficulties.
30% VA Rating for GERD:
Criteria: Documented history of recurrent esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia, requiring dilation no more than 2 times per year.
Example: A veteran undergoes esophageal dilation twice a year to manage difficulty swallowing solid foods caused by recurring esophageal strictures.
10% VA Rating for GERD:
Criteria: Documented history of esophageal stricture(s) requiring daily medications to control dysphagia but is otherwise asymptomatic.
Example: A veteran takes daily prescription medications (e.g., proton pump inhibitors) to manage mild dysphagia and prevent worsening symptoms.
0% VA Rating for GERD:
Criteria: Documented history of esophageal stricture(s) without daily symptoms or the requirement for daily medications.
Example: A veteran has a past diagnosis of esophageal strictures but does not currently experience daily symptoms and requires no medication for treatment.
These criteria emphasize the frequency and severity of esophageal strictures and their impact on swallowing and overall health.
It’s crucial for veterans to have thorough medical documentation to support their claims, detailing the nature and frequency of treatments like dilations or surgeries, as well as the presence of associated symptoms.
Specific Diagnostic Testing is Not Required to Service Connect GERD
According to M21–1, Part V, Subpart iii, Chapter 6 — Digestive Disabilities, a diagnosis of GERD for purposes of service connection does not require documentation by medical imaging.
38 CFR 4.114, DC 7206, Note (1) requires “findings” to be documented by one of three types of imaging: barium swallow, computed tomography (CT), or esophagogastroduodenoscopy.
However, this refers to documentation of esophageal stricture for evaluation purposes.
It does not define a sufficient diagnosis of GERD for service connection.
Pro Tip: A 10% rating for GERD can be assigned pursuant to 38 CFR 4.7 without imaging to document esophageal stricture when the veteran requires the use of daily medications.
Establishing Service Connection for GERD
To receive a VA disability rating for GERD, veterans must establish a service connection by demonstrating:
- A Current Diagnosis: Medical evidence confirming a GERD diagnosis.
- In-Service Occurrence or Aggravation: Documentation showing that GERD was caused or aggravated by military service.
- Nexus: A medical link connecting the in-service event to the current GERD diagnosis.
In some cases, GERD may be secondary to other service-connected conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or certain respiratory issues.
Establishing GERD as a secondary condition requires demonstrating that the primary service-connected condition caused or aggravated the GERD.
You’ll also need a Nexus Letter to service-connect GERD as a secondary VA claim.
How to Increase Your VA Rating for GERD
If you believe your current disability rating for GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) is too low or if your symptoms have worsened over time, you can file for an increased rating with the VA.
Start by gathering updated medical evidence, such as treatment records, results from diagnostic tests (like barium swallows or endoscopies), and documentation showing worsening symptoms.
It’s also critical to explain how GERD affects your daily life, including work limitations, disrupted sleep, or difficulty eating.
If your symptoms align with the higher rating criteria under Diagnostic Code 7206, the VA may grant an increased rating based on severity, frequency of treatment (e.g., esophageal dilations), and the functional impact on your life.
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About the Author
Brian Reese is one of the world’s top VA disability experts and the #1 bestselling author of VA Claim Secrets and You Deserve It. Frustrated with the VA claim process, Brian founded VA Claims Insider to help disabled veterans win their VA disability compensation faster. He has served over 10 million military members and veterans since 2013. A former Air Force officer, Brian deployed to Afghanistan in 2011. He is a Distinguished Graduate from the U.S. Air Force Academy and holds an MBA from Oklahoma State University, where he was a National Honor Scholar.
