Secondary Condition Claim · VASRD 7206
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Secondary to Gastric Ulcer
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 Gastric Ulcer.
Why Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Is Linked to Gastric Ulcer
Often coexists or misdiagnosed
Primary condition · VASRD 7305
Gastric Ulcer
A gastric ulcer is an open sore that develops in the stomach lining, typically caused by infection (H. pylori bacteria), long-term NSAID use, or chronic stress, and can cause burning pain, nausea, and in more severe cases, internal bleeding. The VA rating depends heavily on how often symptoms recur and how severe they are, not just whether an ulcer has been diagnosed.
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 Gastric Ulcer — severity of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) itself determines the percentage.
Example combined rating
20% Gastric Ulcer + 30% Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) = 44%
The VA combines ratings with Table I of 38 CFR 4.25, not simple addition — 20% and 30% combine to 44%, not 50%. 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 Gastric Ulcer
- Can Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) be service-connected as secondary to Gastric Ulcer?
- 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. Often coexists or misdiagnosed You'll need a current Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) diagnosis and a medical nexus opinion linking it to your service-connec…
- 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 Gastric Ulcer.
- 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 20% rating for Gastric Ulcer combined with a 30% rating for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) (example figures) produces a combined rating of 44%, not 50%. Approving Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) as secondar…
- What evidence do I need to service-connect Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) as secondary to Gastric Ulcer?
- 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 Gastric Ulcer guide
Secondary condition
Full Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) guide
Estimate your combined rating
See how Gastric Ulcer 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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