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Home / VA Ratings A–Z / GERD / Acid Reflux

VA Rating for GERD / Acid Reflux

DC 7206 (rated as 7203) Max schedular: 80% Category: Digestive Updated for 2026 rates
The Official Criteria

GERD / Acid Reflux Rating Chart

Criteria from 38 CFR Part 4 (DC 7206 (rated as 7203)). Pay shown is the 2026 monthly rate for a veteran alone at that percentage by itself.

RatingWhat qualifies2026 monthly pay*
80%Recurrent or refractory esophageal stricture causing dysphagia with aspiration, undernutrition, or substantial weight loss, requiring surgical correction or feeding tube.$2,102.15
50%Recurrent/refractory stricture requiring dilatation 3+ times per year, dilatation with steroids at least once per year, or esophageal stent.$1,132.90
30%Documented recurrent esophageal stricture causing difficulty swallowing, requiring dilatation no more than 2 times per year.$552.47
10%Documented history requiring daily medication to control difficulty swallowing, otherwise asymptomatic.$180.42
0%Documented history without daily symptoms or daily medication requirement.

*Rate for that single rating with no dependents. Your combined rating and household may differ — run your exact numbers in our calculator.

How the VA Rates GERD / Acid Reflux

The VA overhauled digestive ratings in 2024: GERD now rates under the esophageal stricture criteria. Daily prescription medication (omeprazole, pantoprazole) with documented swallowing symptoms supports 10%; higher levels require objective stricture findings on endoscopy. GERD secondary to PTSD medications or NSAIDs for service-connected pain is a common winning theory.

Evidence That Wins This Claim

  • Keep your daily PPI prescription active and documented.
  • Difficulty swallowing? Push for the endoscopy — objective findings unlock 30%+.
  • Secondary theory: NSAIDs for your service-connected joints, or SSRI/PTSD medication side effects.

Common Questions

Did the GERD rating criteria change?

Yes — in 2024 the VA moved GERD to the esophageal stricture criteria (DC 7203): 0-80% based on medication need, dilatation frequency, and complications, replacing the old hiatal hernia analogy.

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