Gastroesophageal reflux disease
The VA rates Gastroesophageal reflux disease under Diagnostic Code 7206 across 5 severity levels, from 0% to 80%. At 80%, veterans receive $3151/month or more in compensation.
Also available: View rating schedule for DC 7206
Rating schedule — DC 7206 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 0%
- Maximum rating
- 80%
- Rating tiers
- 5
- CFR section
- § 4.114
- Body system
- Digestive System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 80%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Gastroesophageal reflux disease?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Documented history without daily symptoms or requirement for daily medications Note: DC 7206 was established as a distinct diagnostic code effective May 2024, separating GERD from DC 7346 (Hiatal Hernia). A 0% rating establishes service connection when symptoms are fully controlled. |
| 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 symptoms present: (1) aspiration, (2) undernutrition, and/or (3) substantial weight loss as defined by § 4.112(a) and treatment with either surgical correction of esophageal stricture(s) or percutaneous esophago-gastrointestinal tube (PEG tube) Note: The 80% tier reflects severe post-surgical complications. Barrett esophagus is a pre-malignant condition requiring ongoing surveillance. Chronic aspiration may result in secondary pulmonary conditions. |
“Documented history of recurrent esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia which requires dilatation no more than 2 times per year”
Common Questions About Gastroesophageal reflux disease VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Gastroesophageal reflux disease?
The VA rates Gastroesophageal reflux disease under Diagnostic Code 7206 at 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 80%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Documented history without daily symptoms or requirement for daily medications. The maximum 80% rating requires: Documented history of recurrent or refractory esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia with at least one of the symptoms present: (1) aspiration, (2) undernutrition, and/or (3) substantial weight loss as defined by § 4.112(a) and treatment with either surgical correction of esophageal stricture(s) or percutaneous esophago-gastrointestinal tube (PEG tube).
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Gastroesophageal reflux disease?
The VA rates Gastroesophageal reflux disease under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7206, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.114. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 0% and a 80% rating for Gastroesophageal reflux disease?
A 0% rating requires: Documented history without daily symptoms or requirement for daily medications. A 80% rating requires: Documented history of recurrent or refractory esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia with at least one of the symptoms present: (1) aspiration, (2) undernutrition, and/or (3) substantial weight loss as defined by § 4.112(a) and treatment with either surgical correction of esophageal stricture(s) or percutaneous esophago-gastrointestinal tube (PEG tube). The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Gastroesophageal reflux disease qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 80% rating for Gastroesophageal reflux disease alone meets the single-disability threshold for TDIU (38 CFR § 4.16). If the condition prevents substantially gainful employment, the veteran is compensated at the 100% rate without a schedular 100% rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Gastroesophageal reflux disease?
The key evidence for Gastroesophageal reflux disease is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. Treatment records showing worsening symptoms, functional limitations documented by your provider, and buddy statements describing observable impact on daily life all strengthen the claim. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.
What happens at the C&P exam for Gastroesophageal reflux disease?
The C&P examiner uses a Digestive System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 7206 rating criteria. The examiner documents symptom frequency, severity, and functional impact. Bring all treatment records and describe your worst days, not your best — the VA rates on the full clinical picture across time, not a snapshot of one good day.
Get a Personalized Rating Analysis
VeteranHQ evaluates your symptoms against the exact 38 CFR criteria, identifies secondary conditions, and shows what evidence you need to support a higher rating.
Discover Your Benefits