Understanding GERD and Its Symptoms 

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), often called chronic acid reflux, is a digestive disorder caused by the frequent backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus. This can irritate the esophagus and lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms. While GERD is common in the general population, it is notably prevalent among Veterans and can significantly impact quality of life. 

Common symptoms of GERD include: 

• Heartburn (burning sensation in the chest, often after eating) 

• Regurgitation (backflow of sour liquid or undigested food) 

• Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) 

• Non-cardiac chest pain 

• Chronic cough, especially at night 

• Laryngitis or hoarseness 

• Sore throat or globus sensation (feeling of a lump in the throat) 

• Nausea or vomiting 

• Dental erosion from chronic acid exposure 

If left untreated, GERD can lead to serious complications, including esophagitis, esophageal strictures (narrowing), Barrett’s esophagus (precancerous changes), and even esophageal cancer.

Establishing Service Connection for GERD 

To pursue VA disability benefits for GERD, you must establish a service connection. This generally falls into two categories: 

Direct Service Connection

This applies if your GERD began during your military service or was directly caused or aggravated by an in-service event or condition. 

• In-Service Onset: Your Service Treatment Records (STRs) show a diagnosis of GERD or consistent complaints of symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation, or dysphagia while you were in service. 

• Specific Event/Exposure: While less common, certain in-service factors (such as physical trauma, dietary changes, or prolonged stress during deployments) may directly cause or aggravate GERD. 

Secondary Service Connection (Most Common Pathway)

GERD is frequently recognized as a secondary service-connected condition. This means your GERD was caused or aggravated by another condition for which you are already receiving VA disability compensation. 

• Mental Health Conditions: Chronic stress, anxiety, and physiological responses associated with PTSD, anxiety, or depression can impact the digestive system, leading to or worsening GERD. 

• Medication Side Effects: Many medications prescribed for service-connected conditions can cause or exacerbate GERD. 

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): TBI can disrupt the autonomic nervous system, which controls digestion, potentially leading to or worsening GERD. 

• Obesity: If obesity results from a service-connected condition (such as a mobility issue), and then leads to GERD, a secondary connection may be possible. 

• Hiatal Hernia (Diagnostic Code 7346): A hiatal hernia is often associated with GERD and can be service-connected. If you have a service-connected hiatal hernia, GERD may be claimed secondarily. 

For a general understanding of secondary conditions, refer to “Understanding VA Secondary Conditions: A Guide for Veterans.”

Crucial Medical Evidence Needed 

Building a strong case for GERD requires comprehensive medical evidence: 

Current Diagnosis: A formal diagnosis of GERD from a qualified medical professional (gastroenterologist or primary care physician). 

Diagnostic Test Results: 

• Endoscopy (EGD): Visualizes the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. 

• 24-hour pH Monitoring: Measures acid reflux episodes. 

• Esophageal Manometry: Assesses esophageal muscle function. 

Medical Records: 

• Service Treatment Records (STRs): Show complaints, diagnoses, or treatments for GERD or related symptoms during service. 

• Post-Service Medical Records: Continuous treatment records from VA or private doctors, including medications and their effectiveness. 

Symptom Log/Diary: Document frequency and severity of symptoms, and their impact on sleep, eating, work, and daily activities. 

Lay Statements: Personal statements from you, family, or fellow service members describing the onset, development, and impact of GERD. 

Medical Nexus Letter (for non-presumptive and secondary cases): A well-reasoned medical opinion from a qualified physician linking your GERD to your military service or a service-connected condition. The letter should include: 

• The physician’s qualifications 

• A review of your medical and service records 

• An opinion that your GERD is “at least as likely as not” due to your service or a service-connected condition

VA Rating Criteria for GERD (Diagnostic Code 7206) 

Effective May 19, 2024, the VA implemented new rating criteria for GERD under Diagnotisc Code 7206. Ratings are primarily based on the presence and severity of esophageal strictures and dysphagia. 

Rating Schedule: 

• 0% (Non-compensable): Documented history of GERD without daily symptoms or need for daily medications. 

• 10%: Esophageal stricture(s) requiring daily medications to control dysphagia, otherwise asymptomatic. 

• 30%: Recurrent esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia, requiring dilatation no more than 2 times per year. 

• 50%: Recurrent or refractory esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia, requiring at least one of the following: dilatation 3+ times per year, dilatation using steroids at least once per year, or esophageal stent placement. 

• 80%: Recurrent or refractory esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia with symptoms such as aspiration, undernutrition, and/or substantial weight loss, and requiring surgical correction or PEG tube. 

Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) 

While it is challenging to obtain a 100% rating solely for GERD, severe GERD, especially when combined with other service-connected conditions, can contribute to eligibility for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU). If your GERD prevents you from maintaining substantially gainful employment, TDIU may be an option. 

Ready to Take the Next Step? 

If you’re ready to pursue the benefits you are medically, legally, and ethically eligible for, or if you have questions about building your medical evidence, schedule a free consultation with our team. There’s no upfront cost, and you remain in complete control of your benefits journey.