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CLAIMRECON INTEL
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Diagnostic Code
DC 7206
38 C.F.R. § 4.114
Rating Range
0–80%
5 severity tiers
Source
Verified
38 C.F.R. § 4.114
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 7206 of 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7206 (rate-as for GERD per § 4.114 amendment; the former DC 7346 framework was redirected to DC 7206 esophageal-stricture criteria) across 5 severity tiers (0% / 10% / 30% / 50% / 80%). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303. This condition is frequently rated as secondary to Asthma or Chronic Cough under 38 C.F.R. § 3.310.
Educational tool only. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
Overview
Chronic backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus causing heartburn, regurgitation, and tissue damage. VA rates GERD as esophageal stricture under DC 7206 (38 CFR 4.114), with the percentage keyed to documented dilatation frequency, stent or PEG-tube use, and weight loss. Service connection is often direct or secondary to medications and other conditions.
Rating Criteria
0%
Documented history without daily symptoms or requirement for daily medications.
10%
Documented history of esophageal stricture(s) that requires daily medications to control dysphagia, otherwise asymptomatic.
30%
Documented history of recurrent esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia which requires dilatation no more than 2 times per year.
50%
Documented history of recurrent or refractory esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia which requires at least one of the following: (1) dilatation 3 or more times per year, (2) dilatation using steroids at least one time per year, or (3) esophageal stent placement.
80%
Documented history of recurrent or refractory esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia with at least one of the following: (1) aspiration, (2) undernutrition, and/or (3) substantial weight loss as defined by § 4.112(a), and treatment with either surgical correction or percutaneous esophago-gastrointestinal tube (PEG tube).
Key Evidence
—Documented baseline and current weight showing any substantial (>20%) or minor (10-20%) weight loss per 38 CFR 4.112
—Endoscopy, barium swallow, or imaging reports confirming the diagnosis
—Treatment records documenting frequency of pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea episodes
—Hospitalization records for the past 12 months
—Lab work showing anemia, and records of any TPN, tube feeding, or prescribed dietary modification
—Complete list of prescribed GI medications
C&P Exam Tips
1Many digestive ratings turn on documented weight loss - under 38 CFR 4.112, substantial weight loss is involuntary loss greater than 20% of baseline sustained for three months, and minor weight loss is 10% to 20%. Ask the examiner to record your baseline and current weight.
2Frequency matters: report how many episodes of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea you have per day, week, or year, and how many last three or more consecutive days.
3Incapacitating episodes and hospitalizations in the past 12 months drive higher ratings for many GI codes - bring records of every hospital stay.
4Note any anemia, dietary modification, or nutritional support (TPN or tube feeding) - these are explicit rating criteria for several digestive conditions.
5Endoscopy, barium swallow, or imaging often must confirm the diagnosis (for example, esophageal stricture, GERD, IBD, ulcers) - make sure those reports are in the file.
6Report your worst days, list all GI medications, and describe how symptoms disrupt eating, work, and daily activity.
Secondary Conditions
AsthmaMODERATE
Acid aspiration irritates airways; vagal reflex
Chronic CoughMODERATE
Acid irritation triggers cough reflex
Chronic LaryngitisMODERATE
Acid reflux damages vocal cords
Dental ErosionMODERATE
Stomach acid damages tooth enamel
Sleep DisturbanceMODERATE
Nighttime reflux disrupts sleep
Barretts EsophagusMODERATE
Chronic acid exposure causes precancerous changes
Esophageal StrictureMODERATE
Chronic inflammation causes scarring and narrowing
Esophageal CancerMODERATE
Long-term Barretts esophagus increases cancer risk
Chronic SinusitisMODERATE
Acid reflux can reach and irritate sinuses
PneumoniaMODERATE
Aspiration of gastric contents
LaryngitisMODERATE
Acid damages vocal cords
Sleep DisordersMODERATE
Nocturnal reflux disrupts sleep
More in Digestive
Related reading
Tools
Sources & Editorial
Rating criteria text quoted verbatim from 38 C.F.R. § 4.114 (Digestive system). Source verified 2026-06-16 by ClaimRecon Editorial Team against the Cornell Law CFR mirror; eCFR.gov is the authoritative government source.
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EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIMRECON 2026
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIMRECON 2026