Since the May 19, 2024 digestive-system update, GERD is evaluated under 38 CFR § 4.114, Diagnostic Code 7206 (gastroesophageal reflux disease), not the retired hiatal-hernia ladder that used to live at DC 7346. Current DC 7346 only points back to esophagus, stricture of. The schedule now turns on documented stricture, dysphagia, how often dilatation is required, daily medication, and complications such as aspiration, undernutrition, or substantial weight loss — not a heartburn-symptom cluster scored 10/30/60.
What the examiner is filling out
- Diagnosis — GERD, esophagitis, stricture, Barrett’s, or related esophageal disease.
- Objective documentation — Note (1) under DC 7206 requires findings documented by barium swallow, CT, or EGD.
- Dysphagia and treatment — daily medication, dilatation frequency, steroid dilatation, or stent.
- Complications — aspiration, undernutrition, substantial weight loss as defined by § 4.112(a), surgery, or PEG tube.
- Recurrent vs refractory stricture — Notes (4) and (5) define those terms. They are medical findings, not phrases to rehearse.
The current DC 7206 schedule
History is documented. Daily symptoms and daily medication are not required.
Daily medication to control dysphagia. Otherwise asymptomatic under this criterion.
Recurrent stricture plus dilatation no more than twice a year.
The mid-high criterion is procedure frequency and type, not a symptom adjective.
Highest schedular tier under DC 7206. Complications plus surgical correction or PEG tube.
Records that map to the current criteria
- EGD, barium swallow, or CT — Note (1) documentation of stricture or related findings.
- Procedure notes — dates and count of dilatations, steroid use during dilatation, stent placement.
- Medication list — daily therapy used to control dysphagia.
- Weight and nutrition notes — substantial weight loss is defined in § 4.112(a).
- Aspiration or undernutrition records — if those complications are present.
Describe the full picture accurately
Accuracy reminder
Describe what is true in your own words, including frequency, duration, treatment, good and bad days, and effects on daily activities or work. Do not exaggerate, omit improvement, rehearse a rating tier, or guess. If something varies or you do not know, say that clearly.
The schedule is now procedure- and imaging-heavy. A treating-clinician record that already contains the findings is stronger than a purchased letter that restates the rating table.
GERD is frequently researched as secondary
Many veterans research GERD as secondary to a service-connected condition under 38 CFR § 3.310 — for example after long-term NSAID use for a musculoskeletal rating, or alongside a mental-health condition. The DBQ still rates current esophageal findings. A separate medical-link opinion, if needed, is a treating-clinician and VSO question. They file. We don’t.
Use this with the rest of the site
- ▸ GERD condition guide — the rating schedule and evidence checklist for that condition.
- ▸ C&P Exam Prep — a checklist for organizing your history, treatment, and questions before the exam.
- ▸ Coach preview — free five-question preview; the dashboard organizes C&P prep and a VSO packet.
- ▸ Full C&P exam guide — how to describe your symptoms accurately.
Get the free Secondary Conditions Checklist by email
Educational content only. VA publishes Public Disability Benefits Questionnaires. Some DBQs are not available for public use. Rating criteria are in 38 CFR Part 4. Not legal or medical advice. Always consult a VA-accredited VSO or attorney for claim-specific guidance. CFR citations: 38 CFR § 4.114 Diagnostic Code 7206 (GERD / esophageal conditions, schedule effective May 19, 2024); DC 7346 now rates as esophagus, stricture of; § 4.112(a) (substantial weight loss); § 3.310 (secondary service connection). Confirm the current code against eCFR..