GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

DC 7346Digestive38 CFR 4.114, DC 7346 / DC 7206

Chronic acid reflux where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. As of May 19, 2024, GERD may be rated under the new DC 7206 (diseases of the esophagus) or by analogy under DC 7346 (hiatal hernia). The VA must apply whichever criteria are more favorable to the veteran.

Rating Levels

You have symptoms of pain, vomiting, material weight loss, hematemesis or melena with moderate anemia, or other symptom combinations productive of severe impairment of health.

What the VA looks for

Pain and vomiting
Material weight loss
Hematemesis (vomiting blood) or melena (bloody stool)
Moderate anemia
Severe impairment of health documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Since May 2024, GERD may be rated under DC 7206 (esophageal stricture-based criteria) or DC 7346 (symptom-based hiatal hernia criteria). The VA must apply whichever code produces the higher rating — make sure your C&P examiner considers both.
⚠Not documenting the frequency and severity of symptoms — keep a symptom diary.
⚠Not connecting GERD to PTSD or anxiety as a secondary condition (stress-gut axis), or to medications (NSAIDs for pain conditions).
⚠Not documenting weight loss, anemia, or other health impacts needed for higher ratings.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Esophageal Conditions (including GERD)
DBQ Stomach and Duodenal Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

Rating Levels

You have symptoms of pain, vomiting, material weight loss, hematemesis or melena with moderate anemia, or other symptom combinations productive of severe impairment of health.

What the VA looks for

Pain and vomiting
Material weight loss
Hematemesis (vomiting blood) or melena (bloody stool)
Moderate anemia
Severe impairment of health documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Since May 2024, GERD may be rated under DC 7206 (esophageal stricture-based criteria) or DC 7346 (symptom-based hiatal hernia criteria). The VA must apply whichever code produces the higher rating — make sure your C&P examiner considers both.

⚠Not documenting the frequency and severity of symptoms — keep a symptom diary.

⚠Not connecting GERD to PTSD or anxiety as a secondary condition (stress-gut axis), or to medications (NSAIDs for pain conditions).

⚠Not documenting weight loss, anemia, or other health impacts needed for higher ratings.