GERD (acid reflux)
GERD (acid reflux) is often claimed as secondary to medication for another service-connected condition or to a service-connected digestive issue; the secondary nexus is the usual battleground.
Across 4,466 real Board appeals for GERD (acid reflux)
70% were granted, partly granted, or remanded.
A denial is often not the end — remands are sent back for more development and frequently end in a grant.
- Granted 18%
- Partly granted 27%
- Remanded 26%
- Denied 22%
What tends to win
Among the appeals that were granted or partly granted, the most common ways GERD (acid reflux) was linked to service:
- Direct service connection1,335
- Secondary to another service-connected condition334
- Reopened with new & material evidence72
How it’s rated, in practice
When GERD (acid reflux) was granted, the rating most often assigned was:
- 100% (314)
- 30% (308)
- 60% (122)
- 10% (121)
- 70% (52)
Presumptive & exposure paths
These appeals involved a recognized exposure — which can mean the link to service is presumed, with no nexus to prove:
- PACT Act125
- Gulf War95
- Agent Orange / herbicides54
- Burn pits & airborne hazards49
- Camp Lejeune water44
Real decisions
- Granted
The Board granted earlier effective dates of November 5, 2021, for the grants of service connection and eligibility for DEA benefits.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type, including other residuals of traumatic brain injury.
- Granted
The Board granted a rating of 30 percent for gastroesophageal reflux disease with chronic gastritis, finding that the Veteran's symptoms were productive of considerable impairment of health.
- Granted
The Board granted a 30 percent rating for the Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) from October 22, 2021.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease, unspecified headaches, and obstructive sleep apnea as directly related to the Veteran's military service.
- Granted
The Board granted a 10 percent evaluation for the Veteran's GERD, finding that his condition is productive of daily medications to control dysphagia and is otherwise asymptomatic.
What you can do next
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.