This tool provides estimates for educational purposes only. We are not accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs and do not file claims, provide legal advice, or represent veterans before the VA (38 U.S.C. § 5904). For official assistance, contact a VSO, CVSO, or VA-accredited attorney.
GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
- GERD is one of the most commonly claimed secondary conditions, especially secondary to PTSD or medications for other conditions.
- Rated under DC 7346 (hiatal hernia), which covers the full spectrum of reflux disease.
- NSAIDs prescribed for musculoskeletal conditions and SSRIs prescribed for mental health conditions can both cause or worsen GERD.
- The 60% rating requires objective findings such as hematemesis (vomiting blood), melena (blood in stool), or anemia.
- Veterans should document both the reflux symptoms and the causal link to the primary condition or its medications.
Based on VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and related service-connection regulations. This page is a free community resource. We are not VA-accredited and do not file claims or provide legal advice (per 38 U.S.C. § 5904).
Last reviewed: April 2026 · Next review: October 2026
Maintained by: Veterans Benefits Navigator editorial team. Every citation links to a primary federal or state source. See editorial standards and our privacy posture.
Primary sources: 38 CFR Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities), VA.gov disability compensation, 38 CFR § 3.310 (secondary service connection)
Overview
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a digestive condition in which stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing chronic heartburn, regurgitation, and potential esophageal damage. GERD is rated under Diagnostic Code 7346 (hiatal hernia), which is the most commonly used code for reflux-related conditions.
The VA rates GERD based on the severity of symptoms and their impact on overall health. Ratings range from 10% for mild, recurrent symptoms to 60% for severe cases involving pain, vomiting, material weight loss, and signs of anemia. The key distinction between the 10% and 30% ratings is whether symptoms cause considerable impairment of health, while the 60% rating requires objective findings such as hematemesis or melena.
GERD is one of the most frequently claimed secondary conditions. It is commonly secondary to PTSD (stress-induced acid production), medications prescribed for other service-connected conditions (NSAIDs for musculoskeletal pain, SSRIs for mental health), and spinal conditions. Veterans should document both the reflux symptoms and the medication or condition causing them.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Two or more of the symptoms for the 30% evaluation of less severity. |
| 30% | Persistently recurrent epigastric distress with dysphagia, pyrosis, and regurgitation, accompanied by substernal or arm or shoulder pain, productive of considerable impairment of health. |
| 60% | Symptoms of pain, vomiting, material weight loss and hematemesis or melena with moderate anemia; or other symptom combinations productive of severe impairment of health. |
- 10%
Two or more of the symptoms for the 30% evaluation of less severity.
- 30%
Persistently recurrent epigastric distress with dysphagia, pyrosis, and regurgitation, accompanied by substernal or arm or shoulder pain, productive of considerable impairment of health.
- 60%
Symptoms of pain, vomiting, material weight loss and hematemesis or melena with moderate anemia; or other symptom combinations productive of severe impairment of health.
These criteria describe how a VA Compensation & Pension examiner evaluates the condition during a rating exam. They are not a self-test. For mental health conditions under 38 CFR 4.130, a diagnosis must be made by a qualified clinician under DSM-5. Actual ratings depend on the totality of evidence reviewed by the VA.
Evidence Checklist
Required
Upper GI series or endoscopy
Diagnostic imaging or endoscopy documenting esophageal inflammation, erosion, hiatal hernia, or other reflux-related pathology.
Medication records
Documentation of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2 blockers, or other medications prescribed for acid reflux, including duration of treatment.
Recommended
Service treatment records
In-service medical records showing onset of GI symptoms, complaints, or treatment during military service.
Nexus to primary condition
If claimed as secondary, medical documentation or nexus letter linking GERD to the primary service-connected condition or its treatment medications.
Helpful
Symptom diary
A personal log documenting frequency, severity, and triggers of reflux episodes, including any weight changes.
Buddy statements
Statements from family members or others describing observed symptoms such as dietary restrictions, sleep disruption from reflux, and health impact.
Secondary Conditions
These conditions may be claimed as secondary to GERD. A nexus is the medical link between a service-connected condition and a related condition. Nexus strength indicates the level of established medical evidence supporting that connection.
Esophageal Stricture
DC 7203, Typical range: 30%, 50%, 80%
Barrett's Esophagus
DC 7346, Typical range: 10%, 30%, 60%
Sleep Disturbance
DC 6847, Typical range: 0%, 30%, 50%
Dental Erosion
DC 9913, Typical range: 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%
Explore all secondary conditions in the Secondary Condition Mapper tool.
Related DBQs
Esophageal Conditions (Including GERD)
Form 21-0960G-1
Search all DBQ forms in the DBQ Finder tool.
Next Steps
This information is for educational purposes only. We are not accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs and do not file claims, provide legal advice, or represent veterans before the VA (38 U.S.C. § 5904). For official assistance, contact a VSO, CVSO, or VA-accredited attorney.