Secondary Condition Claim · VASRD 7206
A condition caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability can be granted its own service connection as a secondary condition under 38 CFR § 3.310. Here's how that works for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) when it develops after Chronic Hypertrophic Gastritis.
Weakened stomach lining
Primary condition · VASRD 7307
Chronic Hypertrophic Gastritis
Inflammation of the stomach lining that can cause pain, nausea, and long-term damage.
Secondary condition · VASRD 7206
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
GERD causes acid from the stomach to leak into the esophagus, leading to heartburn and discomfort.
The VA rates Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) the same way whether it's claimed directly or as secondary to Chronic Hypertrophic Gastritis — severity of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) itself determines the percentage.
Example combined rating
30% Chronic Hypertrophic Gastritis + 30% Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) = 51%
The VA combines ratings with Table I of 38 CFR 4.25, not simple addition — 30% and 30% combine to 51%, not 60%. These figures are illustrative; your actual rating for each condition depends on your own evaluation.
Primary condition
Full Chronic Hypertrophic Gastritis guide
Secondary condition
Full Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) guide
See how Chronic Hypertrophic Gastritis and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) combine with the rest of your service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.
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