VASRD 7346 · Digestive System

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) VA Disability Rating

GERD causes acid from the stomach to leak into the esophagus, leading to heartburn and discomfort.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
60%Severe GERD with bleeding, anemia, and overall health problems.
30%Frequent heartburn and regurgitation causing serious discomfort and health issues.
10%Occasional reflux or mild symptoms that flare up regularly.

How the VA Evaluates Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Rated under analogous criteria of hiatal hernia (VASRD 7346). Based on severity and frequency of symptoms and overall health impact.

Approval rate

Moderate – increases with documentation of daily symptoms and lifestyle impact.

Annual service-connected

112,000 veterans

Average rating

30%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •GI specialist diagnosis and treatment notes
  • •Upper endoscopy or pH monitoring test results
  • •Consistent prescription history for proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole)

Strategy Tips

  • •Mention sleep disruption due to reflux
  • •Document long-term medication use
  • •Link GERD as secondary to PTSD, stress, or pain meds if relevant

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Lack of specialist confirmation or endoscopy
  • •Symptoms mistaken for anxiety or unrelated causes
  • •Underreporting lifestyle or work impacts

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Not linking GERD as secondary to medications (like NSAIDs for back pain)
  • •Leaving out frequency or severity of symptoms
  • •Failing to document treatment history

Onset Patterns

  • •Often develops after chronic stress or poor diet
  • •Worsens with certain medications (e.g., NSAIDs)
  • •Can follow service-related GI trauma or infection

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Sleep Apnea

    GERD can cause airway irritation during sleep

  • Barrett’s Esophagus

    Chronic acid exposure damages esophagus lining

  • Asthma

    Stomach acid reflux can irritate airways

Common questions about Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) under VASRD diagnostic code 7346 (Digestive System). GERD causes acid from the stomach to leak into the esophagus, leading to heartburn and discomfort.
What VA disability rating can I get for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?
Possible VA ratings for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) are 60%, 30%, 10%. Examples: 60% — Severe GERD with bleeding, anemia, and overall health problems.; 30% — Frequent heartburn and regurgitation causing serious discomfort and health issues.; 10% — Occasional reflux or mild symptoms that flare up regularly..
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?
The average awarded rating for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is 30%. Roughly 112,000 veterans are service-connected for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) each year. Typical approval likelihood: Moderate – increases with documentation of daily symptoms and lifestyle impact..
What evidence helps prove Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) claim includes: GI specialist diagnosis and treatment notes; Upper endoscopy or pH monitoring test results; Consistent prescription history for proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole).
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?
Common pitfalls when filing for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Not linking GERD as secondary to medications (like NSAIDs for back pain); Leaving out frequency or severity of symptoms; Failing to document treatment history.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) include: Sleep Apnea, Barrett’s Esophagus, Asthma. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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