Secondary Condition Claim · VASRD 7206
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Secondary to Hiatal Hernia
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 Hiatal Hernia.
Why Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Is Linked to Hiatal Hernia
Often a primary symptom
Primary condition · VASRD 7343
Hiatal Hernia
Part of the stomach pushes up into the chest, causing reflux, chest pain, or trouble swallowing.
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 Hiatal Hernia — severity of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) itself determines the percentage.
Example combined rating
30% Hiatal Hernia + 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 Hiatal Hernia
- Can Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) be service-connected as secondary to Hiatal Hernia?
- 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 a primary symptom You'll need a current Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) diagnosis and a medical nexus opinion linking it to your service-connected Hia…
- 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 Hiatal Hernia.
- 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 Hiatal Hernia combined with a 30% rating for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) (example figures) produces a combined rating of 51%, not 60%. Approving Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) as secondar…
- What evidence do I need to service-connect Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) as secondary to Hiatal Hernia?
- 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 Hiatal Hernia guide
Secondary condition
Full Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) guide
Estimate your combined rating
See how Hiatal Hernia 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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