GERD (acid reflux)

GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), often called acid reflux, happens when stomach contents flow back up into the esophagus and cause symptoms like heartburn and regurgitation. To be paid for it as a service-connected disability, the VA generally looks for three things: a current diagnosis, something that happened during service, and a link (often called a "nexus") connecting the two. The VA can also recognize GERD as a "secondary" condition—meaning it was caused or made worse by another disability that is already service-connected (for example, by medications taken for another service-connected illness).

For a long time the VA had no code just for GERD, so it was rated "by analogy" to a hiatal hernia under Diagnostic Code 7346. Effective May 19, 2024, the VA added its own diagnostic code for GERD, Diagnostic Code 7206, found in the digestive-system rating schedule at 38 CFR 4.114. Under DC 7206, GERD is evaluated much like a stricture (narrowing) of the esophagus, and a higher percentage is driven by how serious and well-documented the esophageal problems are—not by heartburn alone.

The rating levels run 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, and 80%. In simple terms: 0% is a documented history with no daily symptoms or daily medication; 10% is a documented stricture needing daily medication to control trouble swallowing (dysphagia) but otherwise no symptoms; 30% is a recurrent stricture causing dysphagia needing widening (dilatation) no more than twice a year; 50% is a recurrent or stubborn (refractory) stricture needing dilatation 3 or more times a year, steroid dilatation, or a stent; and 80% is a recurrent or refractory stricture with dysphagia plus things like aspiration, undernutrition, or major weight loss, treated with surgery or a feeding (PEG) tube. The VA's notes say these findings should be documented by tests such as a barium swallow, CT scan, or endoscopy.

GERD is not generally listed on the VA's special "presumptive" exposure lists (such as Agent Orange or PACT Act burn-pit conditions), so the connection to service is usually shown through direct service connection or as a secondary condition. The direct-connection rules are in 38 CFR 3.303, and the rules for conditions caused or aggravated by another service-connected disability are in 38 CFR 3.310. If a claim is denied, that is a starting point, and the VA has appeal options. This is general educational information about how the VA's rules work—it is not legal advice and not a VA decision about any individual claim.