Secondary Condition Claim · VASRD 7206
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Secondary to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
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 Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Why Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Is Linked to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Can result from chronic stress
Primary condition · VASRD 9411
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a mental health issue caused by a traumatic event, leading to flashbacks, anxiety, or nightmares.
Secondary condition · VASRD 7206
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
GERD is stomach acid and stomach contents flowing back up into the esophagus, causing heartburn, regurgitation and chest discomfort. DC 7206 has its own criteria table, and what that table measures is not how often heartburn occurs — every step is written around a documented esophageal stricture causing dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) and the treatment that stricture requires. Note (1) requires the findings to be documented by barium swallow, computerized tomography, or esophagogastroduodenoscopy.
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 Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) — severity of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) itself determines the percentage.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 80% | Aspiration, undernutrition, or big weight loss needing surgery or a feeding tube |
| 50% | Dilation 3+ times a year, steroid dilation yearly, or an esophageal stent |
| 30% | Recurrent narrowing needing dilation no more than twice a year |
| 10% | Daily medicine controls the swallowing trouble; no other symptoms |
| 0% | Documented history, but no daily symptoms and no daily medicine |
Example combined rating
70% Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) + 30% Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) = 79%
The VA combines ratings with Table I of 38 CFR 4.25, not simple addition — 70% and 30% combine to 79%, not 100%. These figures are illustrative; your actual rating for each condition depends on your own evaluation.
Email me this Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) secondary guide
Get the rating criteria for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), the evidence a secondary claim needs, and why it is linked to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) — delivered to your inbox.
Evidence for a Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Secondary Claim
- •A barium swallow, computerized tomography, or esophagogastroduodenoscopy report confirming the stricture — Note (1) names these three studies specifically.
- •Dated procedure records for every dilatation, including any performed using steroids, plus placement or operative reports for an esophageal stent, surgical correction, or a percutaneous esophago-gastrointestinal tube (PEG tube).
- •Prescription records showing daily medication taken to control dysphagia, which is what the 10 percent row is written around.
- •Weight measurements over time and any documentation of aspiration or undernutrition, since the 80 percent row names those alongside substantial weight loss as defined by § 4.112(a).
Common questions about Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) secondary to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Can Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) be service-connected as secondary to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
- 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. Can result from chronic stress 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 80%, 50%, 30%, 10%, 0%. The rating depends on the severity of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) itself, not on the severity of Post-Traumatic Stre…
- 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 70% rating for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) combined with a 30% rating for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) (example figures) produces a combined rating of 79%, not 100%. Approving Gastroesophageal Reflux D…
- What evidence do I need to service-connect Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) as secondary to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
- Strong evidence for the underlying Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) diagnosis includes: A barium swallow, computerized tomography, or esophagogastroduodenoscopy report confirming the stricture — Note (1) names these three studies specifically.; Dated procedure records for every dilatation, including any performe…
Primary condition
Full Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) guide
Secondary condition
Full Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) guide
Estimate your combined rating
See how Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) combine with the rest of your service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.
Open the calculator
VA Calc: Disability Pay
Combine your ratings & see monthly pay on your iPhone · Works offline