Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition among veterans, especially those who developed it due to their military service. If GERD significantly affects your daily life, you may be eligible for VA disability benefits. However, the VA rating process can be confusing, and many veterans struggle to get the compensation they deserve. In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the GERD VA disability rating, including how the VA rates GERD, what evidence you need, and how to maximize your disability benefits.
What Is GERD & How Does It Affect Veterans?
GERD is a chronic digestive disorder that occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation. Many veterans develop GERD due to stress, poor diet during service, or side effects from medications taken for other service-related conditions.
For some veterans, GERD is mild and manageable with lifestyle changes and medication. However, others experience severe symptoms, including chronic heartburn, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and regurgitation. When GERD becomes severe, it can impact a veteran’s ability to work, sleep, and perform daily activities—making it a potential reason for VA disability compensation.
How Does the VA Rate GERD for Disability Benefits?
The VA does not have a specific diagnostic code for GERD. Instead, the VA rates GERD under 38 CFR § 4.114, Diagnostic Code 7346 (Hiatal Hernia) because GERD and hiatal hernia share similar symptoms. This means your GERD VA disability rating depends on the severity of your symptoms and how much they impact your life.
The VA rates GERD under three main rating levels: 10%, 30%, and 60%. The higher your rating, the more monthly compensation you receive.
What Are the VA GERD Rating Levels?
The VA assigns a disability rating for GERD based on symptom severity:
- 10% GERD VA Rating: Mild symptoms, such as occasional heartburn or regurgitation, that do not significantly impact daily life.
- 30% GERD VA Rating: Persistent symptoms, such as frequent heartburn, regurgitation, difficulty swallowing, and chest pain that affect your ability to work and perform daily tasks.
- 60% GERD VA Rating: Severe symptoms, including significant weight loss, anemia, vomiting blood, and frequent esophageal pain.
How Does GERD Affect Your VA Claim?
If you experience mild, occasional symptoms, the VA may assign you a 10% rating or deny your claim entirely. However, frequent and severe symptoms that interfere with your daily life can qualify you for a higher rating. Keeping detailed records of your symptoms and their impact is crucial to strengthening your claim.
Can You Get a 100% GERD VA Disability Rating?
A 100% VA rating for GERD is rare because the highest rating under Diagnostic Code 7346 is 60%. However, if GERD contributes to other severe disabilities that prevent you from working, you might qualify for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU), which provides 100% compensation.
Common Symptoms That Impact Your GERD VA Rating
The VA looks at the severity and frequency of your symptoms when determining your disability rating. Some of the most common symptoms that impact your rating include:
- Frequent heartburn and acid reflux
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
- Chest pain similar to heart attack symptoms
- Vomiting blood or passing black stools (signs of internal bleeding)
- Chronic coughing or hoarseness due to acid irritation
- Unintentional weight loss and malnutrition
If you suffer from these symptoms regularly, you may qualify for a higher GERD VA disability rating.
How to Prove GERD Is Service-Connected
To receive VA disability benefits, you must prove that your GERD is service-connected. This means showing that your GERD either:
- Developed during active duty due to military conditions (such as stress, poor diet, or exposure to harmful substances).
- Was caused or worsened by a service-connected condition (such as PTSD, anxiety, or medication side effects).
- Was diagnosed within a reasonable time after service and linked to military service by medical evidence.
Providing strong evidence of a service connection is essential for getting approved.
Best Evidence to Support Your GERD VA Disability Claim
To increase your chances of approval, you need medical and non-medical evidence that proves the severity of your GERD and its impact on your life. The best types of evidence include:
- Medical records documenting GERD symptoms, tests, and treatments
- Doctor’s notes explaining how GERD affects your daily activities
- Lay statements from family, friends, or coworkers describing your struggles
- Nexus letter from a doctor linking GERD to your military service
Having strong evidence can make the difference between an approved claim and a denial.
Medical Records & Doctor’s Notes
Medical records are the foundation of your VA claim. Your records should include:
- A diagnosis of GERD
- Prescription medications you take for GERD
- Emergency room visits for severe symptoms
- Endoscopy results showing esophageal damage
- Doctor’s statements describing how GERD affects your life
Without medical records, the VA may deny your claim due to lack of evidence.
VA C&P Exam for GERD
The VA Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam is a crucial part of your claim. A VA doctor will evaluate your symptoms and determine how GERD affects your daily life. Be honest and describe your worst symptoms, even if they are not constant.
Can You Increase Your GERD VA Disability Rating?
Yes! If your GERD symptoms worsen over time, you can request a rating increase. You will need updated medical evidence proving that your condition has deteriorated. If your initial rating was too low, you can appeal and submit additional evidence.
Thoughts on GERD VA Disability Ratings
Many veterans receive lower ratings than they deserve because the VA underestimates the impact of GERD. Keeping detailed records, getting a nexus letter, and appealing a low rating can help you get the benefits you need.
The Bottom Line
GERD is a common but serious condition among veterans. The VA rates GERD under Diagnostic Code 7346, with ratings ranging from 10% to 60%. To prove service connection, you need strong evidence, including medical records, doctor’s statements, and lay evidence. If your GERD worsens, you may qualify for a higher rating or even TDIU benefits.
If you believe you deserve a higher GERD VA disability rating, don’t give up—gather more evidence, request a C&P exam, and consider appealing. Understanding the VA claims process can help you secure the compensation you need to manage your condition.
