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Secondary Condition Claim · VASRD 7206

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Secondary to Chronic Hypertrophic Gastritis

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.

Why Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Is Linked to 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.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) VA Rating Tiers

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.

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.

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.

Evidence for a Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Secondary Claim

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

Common questions about Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) secondary to Chronic Hypertrophic Gastritis

Can Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) be service-connected as secondary to Chronic Hypertrophic Gastritis?
Yes. Under 38 CFR § 3.310, a condition that is caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability can be granted secondary service connection. Weakened stomach lining You'll need a current Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) diagnosis and a medical nexus opinion linking it to your service-connected Chr…
What VA rating can I get for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) as a secondary condition?
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is rated under VASRD diagnostic code 7206 using the same criteria whether it's a direct or secondary claim: possible ratings are 60%, 30%, 10%. The rating depends on the severity of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) itself, not on the severity of Chronic Hypertrophic Gastrit…
How does a secondary Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) claim affect my combined VA rating?
The VA doesn't add ratings together. Using the official combined-ratings formula (38 CFR 4.25): a 30% rating for Chronic Hypertrophic Gastritis combined with a 30% rating for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) (example figures) produces a combined rating of 51%, not 60%. Approving Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (…
What evidence do I need to service-connect Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) as secondary to Chronic Hypertrophic Gastritis?
Strong evidence for the underlying Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) diagnosis includes: GI specialist diagnosis and treatment notes; Upper endoscopy or pH monitoring test results; Consistent prescription history for proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole). For the secondary link itself, a nexus letter from a t…

Primary condition

Full Chronic Hypertrophic Gastritis guide

Secondary condition

Full Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) guide

Estimate your combined rating

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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