Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
The VA rates Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) under Diagnostic Code 7206 across 5 severity levels, from 0% to 80%. At 80%, veterans receive $3151/month or more in compensation. There are 4 documented secondary conditions linked to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
Rating schedule — DC 7206 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 0%
- Maximum rating
- 80%
- Rating tiers
- 5
- CFR section
- § 4.114, DC 7206
- Body system
- Digestive System
- Secondary conditions
- 4
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 80%
Part 4 rating schedule
Mapped in our database
What are the VA rating criteria for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Documented history without daily symptoms or requirement for daily medications Note: GERD received its own diagnostic code, DC 7206, effective May 19, 2024 (89 FR 19735), with its own enumerated criteria based on documented esophageal stricture severity (0/10/30/50/80, maximum 80 percent). VA stated DC 7206 will not be rated by reference to DC 7203; the tiers share the DC 7203 thresholds except the 80 percent level, which specifies "surgical correction of esophageal stricture(s)". HISTORICAL: claims received before May 19, 2024 were rated by analogy under former DC 7346 (10/30/60, 60 percent maximum). For claims pending across that date, the former criteria govern earlier periods; from May 19, 2024 forward VA applies whichever version is more favorable, and an increase under the new criteria cannot be effective before May 19, 2024. A 0 percent rating establishes service connection. |
| 10% | Documented history of esophageal stricture(s) that requires daily medications to control dysphagia otherwise asymptomatic Note: Daily medication alone, without a documented esophageal stricture causing dysphagia, does not meet a compensable level under DC 7206. |
| 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: 80 percent is the maximum under DC 7206. This tier requires BOTH the complication picture (aspiration, undernutrition, or substantial weight loss per § 4.112(a)) AND treatment with surgical correction of the stricture or a PEG tube. |
“Documented history of recurrent esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia which requires dilatation no more than 2 times per year”
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?
View 4 secondary conditions linked to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Medical rationale, evidence strength, and filing tips — rated under 38 CFR § 3.310
Common Questions About Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?
The VA rates Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) 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 (GERD)?
The VA rates Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7206, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7206. 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 (GERD)?
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 (GERD) qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 80% rating for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) 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 (GERD)?
The key evidence for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) 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.
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is associated with 4 documented secondary conditions. Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability are ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. See the secondary conditions page for the full list with medical rationale and evidence strength ratings.
What happens at the C&P exam for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?
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.
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