What is GERD?

VA Disability Benefits for GERD

What is GERD?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a very common condition that is associated with heartburn. GERD is a condition in which gastric acid and partially digested food come up from the stomach into the esophagus. This causes painful sensations associated with heartburn.

Symptoms of GERD include:

• Heartburn
• Nausea
• Pain in the chest or upper abdomen
• Difficulty swallowing or painful swallowed
• Respiratory problems
• Vomiting

Getting Service Connected for GERD

There is no presumptive regulation that includes GERD. Therefore, most veterans will be service connected for their GERD on a direct basis. Direct service connection requires: (1) A current diagnosis; (2) An in-service event, injury, or symptom; and (3) A medical connection linking the current diagnosis to the in-service event.

VA Rating for GERD

The VA rates GERD as analogous to other digestive disorders because it does not have its own rating criteria. Analogous ratings are used when a certain condition is not specifically listed in the VA’s Schedule of Rating Disabilities. When a condition is not listed, the VA rates that condition under the code closest to, or that requires the same treatment.

Typically GERD is rated analogous to hiatal hernia and ratings range from 10% to 60% and depend on the presence and severity of a variety of symptoms.

Veterans Help Group have been supporting veterans in getting the benefits they deserve since 1995. If you or a loved one served, and suffer from GERD , we are here to help. Call Veterans Help Group at 855-855-8992 or complete our free veterans benefits case evaluation form.