VA Disability Rating for GERD/Acid Reflux: Complete Guide to Getting Your Claim Approved

Bottom Line Up Front

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) is rated under Diagnostic Code 7346 (hiatal hernia) with ratings of 10%, 30%, or 60%. Most veterans receive 10-30%. GERD is commonly claimed as secondary to PTSD, depression, anxiety, sleep apnea, medications, or chronic pain conditions. The key is documenting symptom frequency (heartburn, regurgitation), failed treatments, and impact on nutrition/health. Claims typically take 3-6 months.

What Is GERD and How Does Military Service Cause It?

GERD occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms.

Symptoms:

• Heartburn (burning sensation in chest)
• Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
• Difficulty swallowing
• Chest pain
• Sensation of lump in throat
• Chronic cough
• Laryngitis
• Disrupted sleep

Military connections:

Direct service connection:

• First onset during service
• Stress-related during deployments
• Dietary factors during field operations
• Irregular eating schedules
• Service-related hiatal hernia

Secondary service connection (common):

• PTSD/anxiety/depression: Stress increases acid production
• Medications: NSAIDs for pain conditions, psychiatric medications
• Sleep apnea: Air pressure affects LES
• Obesity: From service-connected conditions limiting exercise
• Back conditions: Posture affects digestion

VA Rating Criteria

GERD is rated under 38 CFR § 4.114, Diagnostic Code 7346 (hiatal hernia):

Rating	Criteria
10%	Two or more of: persistently recurrent epigastric distress with dysphagia, pyrosis, and regurgitation, accompanied by substernal or arm or shoulder pain, productive of considerable impairment of health
30%	Persistently recurrent epigastric distress with dysphagia, pyrosis, and regurgitation, accompanied by substernal or arm or shoulder pain, productive of considerable impairment of health
60%	Symptoms of pain, vomiting, material weight loss and hematemesis or melena with moderate anemia; or other symptom combinations productive of severe impairment of health

Key Terms

• Pyrosis: Heartburn
• Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing
• Regurgitation: Food/acid coming back up
• Hematemesis: Vomiting blood
• Melena: Black, tarry stools (blood in GI tract)

Rating Factors

• Symptom combinations: Multiple symptoms support higher ratings
• Health impairment: Weight loss, anemia, malnutrition
• Treatment failure: Ongoing symptoms despite treatment

Evidence You Need

Service Connection Evidence

• Service treatment records showing GI complaints
• Documentation of stress, diet issues during service
• Evidence supporting secondary connection

Current Diagnosis Evidence

• Gastroenterology evaluation
• Upper endoscopy (EGD) results
• pH monitoring results
• Barium swallow study

Severity Evidence

• Frequency of symptoms
• Medications taken (PPIs, H2 blockers)
• Treatment records
• Weight loss documentation
• Complications (Barrett's esophagus, strictures)

C&P Exam: What to Expect

The examiner will:

1. Review medical history
2. Ask about symptoms and frequency
3. Review medications
4. Assess impact on health/nutrition
5. Review test results

What to tell them:

• How often you have heartburn/regurgitation
• All symptoms (chest pain, swallowing issues)
• Medications and their effectiveness
• Weight changes
• Impact on sleep and quality of life

Secondary Conditions

GERD commonly secondary to:

• PTSD/anxiety/depression
• Medications for service-connected conditions
• Sleep apnea
• Obesity

GERD can cause:

• Esophageal stricture
• Barrett's esophagus
• Chronic cough
• Sleep disturbance

Personal Statement Template

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Personal Statement for GERD

I, [Full Name], submit this statement for GERD/acid reflux.

Service Connection: My GERD [developed during service/is secondary to my service-connected (condition)].

[If secondary]: My GERD is caused by [stress from PTSD/medications for pain/sleep apnea/etc.].

Symptoms:

• Heartburn: [frequency, severity]
• Regurgitation: [frequency, severity]
• Difficulty swallowing: [if applicable]
• Chest pain: [if applicable]
• Sleep disruption: [from nighttime reflux]

Treatment:

• Medications: [PPIs, H2 blockers—list]
• Diet modifications: [list]
• Effectiveness: [describe]

Impact on Health:

• Weight changes: [if applicable]
• Eating limitations: [foods avoided, portions]
• Sleep: [nighttime symptoms]
• Quality of life: [describe]

I certify these statements are true.

[Signature] [Date]

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I claim GERD secondary to PTSD?

Yes. Stress and anxiety increase stomach acid production. This is a well-recognized connection.

What if my GERD is controlled by medication?

You can still receive a rating. Document that you require medication for control and describe any breakthrough symptoms.

Does GERD have to show on testing?

While objective findings (endoscopy, pH study) help, GERD is largely diagnosed based on symptoms. Document your symptoms thoroughly.

Resources

VA Forms:

• DBQ Esophageal Conditions
• VA Form 21-526EZ

VA Rating Information:

• 38 CFR § 4.114 - Digestive System

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This guide is for informational purposes only. Every claim is unique—consult with an accredited claims agent for personalized guidance.

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Sources: VA Disability Compensation, 38 CFR Part 4, Veterans Benefits Administration