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GERD (Acid Reflux) VA Disability Rating
DC 7346 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.114 | M21-1, Part IV.ii.9
OVERVIEW
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is rated under DC 7346 (hiatal hernia) by analogy. GERD is one of the most common secondary conditions claimed, frequently developing from long-term NSAID use (for pain conditions), PTSD-related stress, or as a side effect of psychiatric medications. Rating is based on severity of symptoms including pain, vomiting, regurgitation, and weight loss.
RATING CRITERIA (4 LEVELS)
80% — Recurrent esophageal stricture with aspiration, malnutrition, or weight loss requiring surgery/PEG
Documented recurrent or refractory esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia with at least one of: (1) aspiration, (2) undernutrition, or (3) substantial weight loss — AND treatment with surgical correction or PEG tube. Rate under DC 7203 (esophagus, stricture of).
50% — Recurrent stricture requiring dilation 3+/year, steroid dilation, or esophageal stent
Documented history of recurrent or refractory esophageal stricture causing dysphagia requiring: (1) dilation 3 or more times per year, (2) dilation using steroids at least once per year, or (3) esophageal stent placement.
30% — Dysphagia requiring dilation 1-2 times per year
Documented history of recurrent esophageal stricture causing dysphagia which requires intermittent dilation 1-2 times per year. Most GERD veterans rate here.
10% — Dysphagia controlled with medication; without stricture requiring dilation
Documented GERD or esophageal disease causing dysphagia controlled with medication (PPIs, H2 blockers) without stricture severe enough to require dilation.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Endoscopy results showing esophagitis, Barrett esophagus, or hiatal hernia
-Prescription history for PPIs (omeprazole, pantoprazole), H2 blockers
-Documentation of NSAID use for service-connected pain conditions
-Weight change records if applicable
-Medication list showing psychiatric drugs with GI side effects
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (2 MAPPED)
C&P EXAM TIPS (4)
1.Document ALL symptoms: heartburn, regurgitation, difficulty swallowing, chest/arm pain, nausea, weight changes.
2.If GERD is secondary to NSAID use for a service-connected pain condition, document the medication timeline.
3.If secondary to PTSD medications, document which medications cause GI symptoms.
4.Report frequency of symptoms — daily or near-daily symptoms support a 30% rating.
RELEVANT CASE LAW
38 C.F.R. § 4.114, DC 7346 (rates as DC 7203)
Hiatal hernia (DC 7346) rates as esophagus, stricture of (DC 7203). The rating is based on dysphagia severity and treatment required — not merely the presence of hiatal hernia or GERD. Most GERD claims rate 10-30% based on symptom frequency and medication dependency.
DOLLAR IMPACT
GERD at 10% adds $175/mo. At 30%, $552/mo. GERD is one of the easiest and most common secondary conditions to establish from PTSD or musculoskeletal conditions requiring NSAIDs.
RELATED CONDITION GUIDES
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026