Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Diagnostic Code 7206 • 38 CFR § 4.114
The current schedule evaluates GERD through documented esophageal stricture, dysphagia, and the treatment or complications shown in the record.
Current diagnostic code
7206
The rating schedule changed on May 19, 2024
DC 7206 is now the dedicated code for GERD. VA says digestive-system claims that were pending on May 19, 2024 are considered under both the old and new criteria, with the more favorable criteria applied. The revised criteria do not automatically reduce an existing rating.
Current GERD ratings at a glance
These are plain-language summaries of DC 7206. The medical findings must be documented by barium swallow, CT, or esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD).
Recurrent or refractory stricture with serious complications
Dysphagia with aspiration, undernutrition, or substantial weight loss, plus surgical correction of the stricture or a PEG tube.
$2,102.15/mo
Recurrent or refractory stricture requiring intensive treatment
Dysphagia requiring 3 or more dilations per year, a steroid-assisted dilation at least once per year, or an esophageal stent.
$1,132.90/mo
Recurrent stricture requiring dilation
Dysphagia from a recurrent esophageal stricture requiring dilation no more than twice per year.
$552.47/mo
Stricture controlled by daily medication
A documented esophageal stricture that requires daily medication to control dysphagia and is otherwise asymptomatic.
$180.42/mo
Documented history without daily treatment needs
A documented history without daily symptoms or a requirement for daily medication.
$0
Monthly amounts shown are the 2026 veteran-alone base rate for that overall percentage, not an amount added for this condition. Criteria checked August 15, 2026.
What evidence matches the current criteria?
Diagnostic imaging or EGD
The schedule calls for barium swallow, CT, or EGD documentation of the stricture.
Dysphagia treatment records
Show daily medication, each dilation, steroid-assisted dilation, or stent placement with dates.
GI specialist notes
Ask the clinician to distinguish recurrent from refractory stricture and describe swallowing limitations.
Complication records
For the 80% tier, document aspiration, undernutrition, or qualifying substantial weight loss and the required intervention.
Medication history
A current prescription history can support the 10% tier when it is used daily to control dysphagia.
Service-connection evidence
Rating severity and service connection are separate questions. Direct or secondary claims still need evidence linking GERD to service.
Service connection: do not confuse the link with the rating
Direct: Evidence generally needs a current diagnosis, an in-service event or onset, and a medical link between them.
Secondary: GERD may be claimed as caused or aggravated by an already service-connected condition or its treatment, but the relationship is not automatic. A clinician should address the veteran's specific history, medication exposure, competing causes, and whether aggravation occurred.
Rating: Once service connection is established, VA applies the DC 7206 severity criteria above. A GERD diagnosis alone does not establish a compensable percentage.
How the higher tiers differ
0% → 10%
Daily medication is required to control dysphagia from a documented esophageal stricture.
10% → 30%
A recurrent stricture causes dysphagia and requires dilation no more than twice per year.
30% → 50%
Treatment reaches 3 or more dilations per year, steroid-assisted dilation, or stent placement.
50% → 80%
The record shows a qualifying serious complication plus surgical correction of the stricture or PEG-tube treatment.
Common mistakes
• Using the pre-May 2024 DC 7346 symptom ladder for a new GERD claim.
• Submitting a GERD diagnosis without records addressing stricture, dysphagia, or treatment frequency.
• Counting ordinary reflux medication as proof of the 10% tier without a documented esophageal stricture and dysphagia.
• Assuming GERD is automatically secondary to PTSD, sleep apnea, or medication use without a case-specific medical link.
• Leaving dilation, stent, aspiration, nutrition, or weight-loss records out of the evidence packet.
Official source and related tools
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This page provides general educational information based on public VA regulations and VA.gov resources. It is not legal or medical advice, and My Claim Packet is not a VA-accredited representative. Any worksheets or draft documents produced by the tools must be reviewed for accuracy and are not filed with VA for you. Ratings and service connection are decided case-by-case from the individual record. Consult a VA-accredited VSO, claims agent, attorney, or qualified clinician for help with your situation, and verify current rules using the linked official source.